Engaging Large Nursing Student Cohorts in E-Cigarette Research Facilitation in Fundamentals Clinical

Engaging undergraduate nursing students in research enhances learning and scholarship. However, one-on-one student mentorship opportunities with research faculty are limited.

This project assessed scaling an evidence-based e-cigarette prevention program (#iCANendthetrend) into a fundamentals and health promotion nursing course. Students delivered the research program in elementary schools for clinical hours and were invited to participate in post-facilitation surveys.

Over 2 days, 165 nursing students delivered the program in 11 schools, reaching 800 elementary students. Thirty-eight percent (n = 63) of the nursing students completed optional surveys; 98% reported increased knowledge and confidence in youth vaping intervention. The initiative met course objectives, fulfilled clinical hours, addressed community needs, and introduced research early in the curriculum.

This model shows how integrating evidence-based health promotion and research opportunities into nursing curricula prepares students with a research mindset. Although challenges exist, high research engagement of a large cohort highlights the scalability of this approach.