Transformative learning through a research practicum for undergraduate nursing students

In their final year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, students are required to take a research practicum related to clinical practice in a new or ongoing research project, supervised by nursing faculty. This course is designed to enhance students' understanding of the research process. The student's potential role as a research collaborator is emphasized. Involvement in an interdisciplinary narrative study with formerly homeless individuals challenged by severe alcohol dependence, in general poor health and living in a harm reduction environment, transformed students' values, assumptions, and beliefs. Not only did students gain confidence in their beginning skills as potential research collaborators, but they also felt that their future practice would be enhanced by new perspectives gained by studying a marginalized and stigmatized group, thus enabling them to appreciate cultural diversity and improve their competence.