P : Practical Nursing (PN) students and educators in Ontario
I : Integration of formal nursing research education into PN curricula
C : Limited or no structured research education within PN curricula
O : Improved preparedness of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) to apply evidence-informed practice in clinical settings
Research Question:
In PN students and educators in Ontario, does integrating formal research education into PN curricula, compared to limited or no structured research education, improve RPNs’ preparedness to apply evidence-informed practice in clinical settings?
Rationale:
My research is focused on exploring gaps in nursing research education at the PN level and how this impacts RPNs’ readiness to engage in evidence-based practice once they enter the workforce. Many RPNs report limited training in research during their schooling, which may hinder their confidence and ability to use evidence effectively in practice. By investigating the impact of including structured research education in PN programs, this project aims to identify strategies to better prepare RPNs for evidence-informed decision-making, ultimately improving patient care outcomes and professional growth.