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

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