Collaborating in Research with RPNs

I experienced a true sense of “reciprocity and mutuality,”which, as defined by Heaton, Day, and Britten (2016), is the degree to which stakeholders are open and interested in learning from each other, also referred to as the “knowledge appetite.” This is precisely why I am also GLAD (grateful, learned, accomplished, delighted) to share the benefits of including RPNs in research initiatives.

Collaborating with RPNs in research is no different than working with any healthcare provider. When working together, it’s less about titles or designations and more about the person who will be contributing with me, other researchers or a patient partner involved in co-designing a research project. I’ll convey my experiences working with RPNs using the acronym WeRPN.

W: Working with RPNs offers new perspectives and reinforces that all voices are important. This establishes a solid foundation of understanding for issues in health care no matter which setting they practice, embrace, or wish to influence.

E: Equilibrium is an essential element in research discussion and debate. RPNs contribute important observations to the study by identifying aspects that may have been overlooked or been completely forgotten.

R: Registered Practical Nurses bring to the table a level of knowledge and skill that helps them deliver comprehensive care in various settings. Their person-focused approach is essential to research as it ensures the quality of life as part of the quality of care.

P: Professionalism is equal in importance to evidence-based and evidence-enhanced practice.

N: Nobody should consider RPNs to be “only nurses” but view them as relevant contributors, innovators and collaborators.

In 2004, I was a clinical instructor on an oncology unit and worked with an RPN named Virginia. Virginia is an amazing person and an even more incredible nurse who was able to excel in an RN-dominated environment. As a staff member of the oncology unit, her perseverance and commitment to excellent patient care opened doors for her in the oncology outpatient department. I felt privileged to collaborate with her in both settings.

Together, we submitted an abstract to WeRPN (known as RPNAO at the time) titled Maximizing RPN’s Roles and Optimizing Their Engagement in Patient-Centred Care.

This innovative project included surveys, needs assessment, consultations and focus groups with all stakeholders. Virginia was a role model for undergraduate nursing students, and her inquisitive mind was an asset to these students and me as an instructor.

I never hesitated to assign students under Virginia’s supervision as she was experienced and knowledgeable. Her clinical judgment based on solid evidence was an added value to our clinical or research-based collaborative work. With six to seven students under my academic advisement, I required an extra pair of eyes to ensure competency and safety for nursing students beginning their educational journey.

My work with RPNs Attila and Jennifer further solidified what I had learned from involving RPNs in research. My work with both expanded my understanding of RPNs as critical thinkers and caring partners in research. No matter what the project, Attila, who is now undertaking his bachelor’s in nursing, could always provide “outside the box” thinking because of his deep understanding of theory and his practical experience.

Working with Jennifer, who is in the process of completing her doctoral studies, was equally rewarding as I was fortunate to be her teacher and the external reviewer of her master’s in health sciences thesis; both opportunities provided me with the benefit of first-hand knowledge, expertise and a solid commitment to excellence in healthcare.

I am pleased that WeRPN is mandated to encourage and support RPN-focused and involved research. I can echo this approach through my own experience and hope to influence others to recognize the unmatched value of RPNs in the health research continuum.