This collaborative initiative focuses on enhancement of faculty’s current research skills by conducting a research study pertinent to nursing education.  During the 2005-2006 academic year, a research committee was started by the nursing faculty. The primary goals included encouraging on-going research by faculty, improving knowledge of the research process, and facilitating collaborative research projects. Two research conferences have been organized and hosted by College faculty as a result of the Research Committee’s efforts.

Where the Committee focus of the first year was to raise awareness of the research process through discussions and reviews, during the 2006-2007 academic year, the group chose a research problem to apply the research process. Faculty wanted the study to be meaningful to their practice and to incorporate the research process for hands-on application.

A study is currently in process with a goal of completion by the end of the academic year. The research question is: In a two-plus-two BSN nursing program, is there a difference in success rates between traditional and accelerated students? The study design is a quantitative, non-experimental, ex post facto, correlational study using a cross-sectional approach. The sample group consists of graduates from the traditional and accelerated programs from Spring and Summer 2006. Data collection methods will include record review of retention rates, NCLEX-RN results, and mid and exit HESI results.

 Significance:

Results will be used to develop future practice guidelines for the accelerated BSN program. Faculty knowledge base will be improved as evidenced by engagement in research among participants both individually and in groups. The College will benefit from the collaborative learning process and overall improvement of student outcomes through policy changes as a result of the study, as well as collectively from the benefit of conference speakers.