Research at 91亚色鈥檚 School of Nursing is contributing to new approaches to workforce sustainability and patient care, with undergraduate students playing an active role in advancing evidence-informed solutions to complex health care challenges.
Recent work led by bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) students Hadier Kandil and Yucheng (Chuck) Wang examines how health care systems can better support providers and patients.
鈥淪tudent research reflects a strong culture of inquiry in the School of Nursing, where projects align with Faculty priorities and health system needs,鈥 says Professor Larnes Joy Nabarreti, who supervised the work.
Kandil鈥檚 project explores a proposed paid residency model for nursing students completing their integrated practicum. The research considers how structured financial and clinical support could strengthen the transition from education to professional practice while contributing to workforce stability.
The study examines strategies aimed at improving preparedness for clinical roles and addressing ongoing pressures in Canadian health care systems. The findings point to the importance of structured transition supports in preparing students for professional responsibilities. By examining how a residency model could be implemented, the research highlights potential pathways to improve student experience and long-term workforce sustainability.
A second project, led by Wang, focuses on nil per os (NPO) practices in emergency departments 鈥 a medical term meaning 鈥渘othing by mouth,鈥 or the restriction of food and fluids before procedures. The research examines the clinical and operational factors affecting patients who may face extended wait times, and evaluates how these NPO protocols intersect with patient comfort and safety in high-demand health care environments.
By analyzing these factors, the inquiry identifies the need to balance clinical protocols with patient-centred care, particularly in environments where delays prolong restrictions. This work contributes to ongoing discussions about how emergency departments can maintain safety standards while improving patient experience.
Their findings have been shared with national and international audiences, extending their relevance beyond the University.
鈥淭he work of undergraduate students shows how early research experience helps develop key competencies for future nurses, including critical thinking, clinical reasoning and systems-level awareness,鈥 says Nabaretti. 鈥淚t also highlights how students can contribute to discussions often led by more established researchers, especially on practical issues in care delivery.鈥
This focus on student research was reflected in a recent school-wide event that showcased emerging work and collaboration.
In May, the School of Nursing hosted its inaugural Research Day for faculty, students and partners to share their projects, including prevention, health equity, nutrition and HIV/AIDS care.
One project examining a peer-led approach to supporting nursing student mental health received the Student Award. The presentation, titled 鈥淧romoting Nursing Student Well-Being Through Mental Health Peer-led Initiative,鈥 was authored by Zahra Mujadidi, Giada Romano, Chuqiao Li, Harmann Bhatia and Yong Qi Su, and supervised by Professor Ruth Robbio.
The program featured the annual June Awrey Lectureship, which honours the founder of 91亚色鈥檚 School of Nursing. This year鈥檚 speaker, Elaine Johnston (Waaskonenhkwe), an Anishinaabe nurse with 40 years鈥 experience, shared Indigenous perspectives on advancing reconciliation in health care.
鈥淓laine鈥檚 talk helps students understand how Indigenous knowledge shapes learning and nursing practice,鈥 says Robbio. 鈥淕uided research opportunities build on that by supporting academic development and generating insights for health care policy and practice.鈥
Four 91亚色 students were also recently recognized by the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario, with awards for academic excellence and leadership potential. Michelle Hermans (PhD student) earned the Lynn Kirkwood Research Award; Tiina Ranta (PhD student) received the Research in Mental Health Nursing Award; Alessia Lamanna (MScN student) was awarded the Nursing Research Interest Group Award; and Eseimuede James Ehiagwina (BScN) was the recipient of the Charlotte Noesgaard Memorial Scholarship.