Engaging Nursing Students in Clinical Research Through a Unique Academic-Clinical Partnership

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Two academic medical centers partnered to offer specialized training.
• Focus on clinical research and the role of the clinical research nurse.

Purpose of the Study:

• Provide professional development hours to master's nursing students.
• Introduce students to clinical research and nursing roles within it.

Main Methods:

• A 32-hour, 4-day professional development program was offered.
• Included didactic, observational, and role-playing experiences.
• Targeted students with an interest in clinical research.

Main Results:

• Four cohorts of students completed the program.
• Most participants highly agreed the program was educational and valuable.

Conclusions:

• Partnerships with academic medical centers enhance student understanding of clinical research.
• Provides exposure to practice areas not covered in coursework, like the clinical research nurse role.