Welcome to WNRCASN
AI in Nursing Education and Research: A Four-Part Webinar Series
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how knowledge is created, accessed, interpreted, and applied across education, research, and health care. For nurse educators and researchers, these developments bring both significant opportunities and important questions related to teaching, learning, scholarship, professional responsibility, and the future of nursing.
This four-part webinar series will provide participants with a foundation for
understanding AI, explore how AI is currently being taken up in nursing education and nursing research, and create space for critical dialogue about how the profession might engage with AI thoughtfully and responsibly.
Seem more information and register here
Next session: November 13th , 12:00pm PST
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- 2025 WNRCASN Grant Recipients

Shannon Vandenberg PhD, RN
WNRCASN Nursing Education Research Grant

Victoria Froelich
WNRCASN Graduate Student Research Grant
Research Details
Nursing Education Research Grant
Shannon Vanderber
AN ANALYSIS OF THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF NURSING STUDENTS TOWARD CLIMATE-DRIVEN VECTOR BORNE DISEASES
Abstract
Planetary health challenges, including climate change and the spread of vector-borne diseases, are creating emerging health risks for Canadians and the global population. Nurses, as the largest group of regulated healthcare professionals, are positioned to play a critical role in addressing these climate-related health impacts; however, evidence indicates they are not yet adequately prepared for this responsibility. This study aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate nursing students in Canada related to climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design guided by a Planetary Health framework, an anonymous 45-item online survey will be distributed through nursing student organizations, schools of nursing, and social media. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses will explore differences in student responses by program year, province/territory, and Indigeneity. Findings from this study may inform curricular decisions to strengthen the integration of planetary health concepts in nursing education and better prepare graduates for emerging environmental and health challenges.
Graduate Student Research Grant
Victoria Froelich
Clinical Experiences and Perceived Influences on Retention Among Generation Z Nursing Students
Abstract
This study will use a qualitative descriptive design,
informed by a constructivist perspective, to explore how clinical learning environments influence nursing students’ experiences and retention intentions. Participants will be Generation Z (born 1997 – 2012) nursing students in their third or fourth year of a four-year BSN program, who have completed at least one medical/surgical clinical placement. Data will be collected from two semi-structured focus groups via Zoom (60-90 minutes), supported by a demographic questionnaire. Focus groups will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and participants will be offered transcript review for accuracy. Where needed, optional follow-up interviews may be conducted to clarify or expand on emerging themes. Data will be analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. This study will generate insights into student experiences of support, stress, and psychological safety within clinical environments and examine how these experiences influence retention intentions. Findings will inform nursing education
and clinical practice by identifying strategies to better support students and strengthen retention of the future nursing workforce.
Benefits of being a member
WNRCASN is the only organization in Western Canada devoted solely to nursing education and nurse educators. Navigate to the About page for our history and governance.
Our organization represents western nurse educators at Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN).
WNRCASN sponsors an annual conference to support networking and provide opportunities to learn about and engage in dialogue related to nursing education.
The membership fees support three WNRCASN nursing education research awards and a Lifetime Honorary Member Award. Application deadline for all awards is December 15th. Members have access to the Grants page for descriptions and applications. In addition, members have access to Governance sub-pages.
Become a Member!
Members get access to exclusive information.
Our active memberships (full voting) are $50 per academic year,
active undergraduate (full voting) are $10 per academic year,
and associate member (non-voting) are $30 per academic year.
Membership period is one year (September 15th start date).
