An Innovative Simulated Research Practicum for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Background: An understanding of the research process and familiarity with research methods is essential to nursing curricula to prepare graduates to participate in the generation of new nursing knowledge. A research practicum with nurse researchers is one way of providing intensive hands-on training. At our institution, research placements for students has become difficult for a number of reasons. Method: To solve the problem related to the low number of quality research placements available, simulation was used to create an innovative research practicum. Results: The simulated research practicum increased the number of quality research projects available to students and allowed students to participate in a small study from start to finish. It also used fewer faculty resources. Conclusion: The simulated research practicum is an innovative strategy to provide practical research experience to undergraduate students and requires fewer faculty resources than traditional placements.