As an undergraduate nursing student , I thought I lacked the time and skills to think I could solve a problem like this one . Nevertheless , in the summer 2020 , as the pandemic surged around us , I worked with a multidisciplinary team of nurses as well as undergraduate electrical and computer science engineering students and faculty to create an intervention to resolve maternal-infant separation that would allow newborns to receive phototherapy treatment in the comfort and safety of their own homes . Despite the limitations of the pandemic and our disparate backgrounds of nursing and engineering , our team set out to create an alternate treatment for newborn jaundice using phototherapy . Our project was funded by the engineering company , L3Harris , through the Villanova University program known as INNOVATE . We were known as “ The Blue Blanket Team ,” the first multidisciplinary research team of nursing and engineering students from Villanova University . Our team developed a working prototype despite the limitations of collaborating virtually and never meeting in person . The Blue Blanket Team continues the development of the prototype and our plan is to the launch a real product .
Applying the Nursing Process to Innovation My experience is just one example of how nurses can be involved in research as undergraduate students . Not all students will have an opportunity presented to them , but research opportunities are everywhere . A key component of undergraduate nursing research includes finding a faculty member or researcher who shares your interests . Nursing research allows students to apply nursing theory learned in class to solve real-life clinical problems focused on family-centered care . You may feel overwhelmed by your classes and clinicals , and it may seem as though you have little free time to pursue any research but consider applying your skills in a way that improves patient experiences as you are learning about them in class .
I applied the nursing process to the steps I followed to begin solving the real-life clinical problem of home treatment for jaundice using phototherapy . You too can solve clinical problems through innovation and research with our fundamental nursing knowledge — that is , the nursing process ( Kelley , 2018 ).
Assessment : Identify a Problem Collect subjective and objective data through information learned in class , clinicals , and through collaboration with nursing professors , nurses in the ield , or patients who experience a need for clinical improvements . You can gain more information about the presented data by reading scholarly , peer-reviewed articles .
Diagnosis : Develop a Project Analyze the collected subjective and objective data to understand exactly what modifications need to be made to improve patient care .
Planning :
Identify a Mentor and Form a Team of Diverse Members Collaborate with faculty who have similar research interests and can aid in finding a mentor . Reach out to students and faculty within nursing and oth disciplines to create a multidisciplinary research team . Together , develop an end goal and delegate roles that aid in achieving that goal .
Implementation : Develop Leadership Skills Work together with the team and focus on your role as the nursing student in the project . Strong communication skills with other team members is key .
Evaluation : Assess Outcomes Frequently assess the team ’ s progress and create modifications as necessary . Receive feedback from nurses who would implement your clinical improvement and find a way to test your solution .
Conclusion Endless patient-centered , nursing innovation opportunities surround us as undergraduate nursing students , yet many are not pursued because of the challenges we face through our academic courses and clinicals . Consider following the steps I have shared , to seek opportunities to foster your research skills while you are an undergraduate student . You can solve clinical problems by exploring options through research and serving as a leader on a multidisciplinary team .
Once we are practicing clinicians , we will be expected to solve healthcare problems by translating research and science into evidence-based practices , using the highest levels of our education and skills ( Battie , 2013 ). As undergraduate nursing students , we can seek opportunities to blend our scholarship , clinical experiences , and skills with creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration , to recognize ourselves for who we are — that is , nursing scientists , researchers , and innovators . •
20 NSNA IMPRINT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 • www . nsna . org