Developing Students as Future Researchers Using QSEN Competencies as a Framework

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Research Development
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Student researchers require structured development frameworks.
• Integrating research, education, and practice is crucial for nursing.
• Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) competencies offer a potential framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop students as future researchers using an R-15 funded project.
• To apply Quality and Safety Education for Nursing competencies as a guiding framework.
• To establish parallel tracks for research execution and researcher development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized selected pre-licensure Quality and Safety Education for Nursing competencies.
• Guided the development of future researchers through a funded research project.
• Established a transparent link between research, education, and practice.

Main Results:

• Successfully translated project documents into Spanish.
• Confirmed the acceptability of the intervention in a Hispanic population.
• Assessed the feasibility of conducting a trial in the target population.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework is highly beneficial for educators and mentors.
• It provides a structured approach to developing students as researchers.
• The integration of QSEN competencies enhances the research mentorship experience.