Impact of Undergraduate Research Experience on Professional Career Outcomes of Nurses

Abstract

Background: The benefits of engaging undergraduate nursing students in research have been well-identified; however, little research has documented the long-term outcomes of this research assistant (RA) experience on nurses' professional careers. This study evaluated the impact of undergraduate research experience on participants' nursing professional career outcomes. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with a purposive sample of two groups ( N = 94; R As = 32 and non-R As = 62). The questionnaire was administered online. Results: A comparison of participants' responses revealed statistically significant differences regarding scholarship activities and attitudes toward evidence-based practice. RAs had a greater likelihood of involvement in professional development and higher educational aspirations than non-RAs. Conclusion: Undergraduate nursing research experience appears to have a positive impact on evidence-based practice, professional involvement, continuing education, and scholarship activities. These findings support future investment in undergraduate nursing research experiences to build a knowledge-based workforce and advanced nursing scholarship. [ J Nurs Educ . 2021;60(10):570–576.]