Summer undergraduate nursing research experience: Implementing a mentor-based research program for minority nursing undergraduates

Abstract

The Summer Undergraduate Nursing Research Immersion Experience (SUNRISE) program was developed to provide opportunities for eligible underrepresented/underserved (UR/US) undergraduate nursing students to participate in a semi-structured summer research experience. First year undergraduate nursing students enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program were eligible to participate in SUNRISE. Significant improvements were seen in the student’s self-efficacy as scientists (pre: 4.4 ± 0.27; post: 4.6 ± 0.17) and the student’s perception of their role in research. Using a mentor-based approach, UR/US students were given one-on-one training that is often lacking in nursing programs. Though only in its first year, preliminary data suggest that the SUNRISE program can impact UR/US student’s sense of scientific efficacy preparing these students for success beyond nursing school.