In 2025, the NBNP class of 2024-2026 applied experiential learning principles through a class-based research project during our evidence-to-practice course.
This opportunity was possible because of a partnership between the surgical unit’s clinical nurse educator (CNE) and our course instructor. Together, they identified that quality and research initiatives, when theory-based, may not be exciting or engaging for students.
The CNE suggested we explore technology (SMART beds) in the clinical area to examine current bed use and assess their impact on professionals’ practice and patient experiences. This opportunity had two aims.
- Student engagement in experiential learning, and
- To gather a brief data set that could be used to inform the unit’s educational team about the current status of healthcare providers’ knowledge about SMART Bed technology.
In 2026, the NBNP class of 2025-2027 applied experiential learning to examine the experiences of staff and providers of patient access and flow when the emergency department is busy. So far, what the class has discovered is that there is currently very limited literature exploring the impact of ED surge on inpatient units. Even though there are many processes and pathways focused on managing how patients move through the emergency department, it is still very important to study how the surge affects staff, patient outcomes, and changes needed in work processes.
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) granted ethics approval, and Northern Health provided operational approval. The class worked with an industry partner. As a class-based project, learning focused on meeting the course objectives. As a class, we included all the steps in a research project and condensed them into 14 weeks.
Exploring current complexities and opportunities helped the class examine systemic barriers that could inform future research inquiry or policy changes. The class presented its work to various key partners in the education, clinical, professional, and industry areas.
Class of 2025-2026
Class of 2025-2027
