Part of a special feature celebrating student success during spring convocation. You can join the celebration by following @MemorialU on Twitter, MemorialUniversity on Instagram and liking the Memorial University of Newfoundland page on Facebook. You can also post your own photos and well wishes on social media at #MUNgrad2015. Well wishes will be projected in the Arts and Culture Centre prior to each ceremony and can also be seen at www.today.mun.ca.

Victoria Morgan sees graduate work in her future.

The spring nursing graduate is so hooked on research.

she’s already thinking ahead to graduate programs for next year. Ms. Morgan will collect her bachelor of nursing (BN) degree at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre on Friday, May 29.

It all started the summer between her second and third

year of her BN program, when she applied to be a research assistant on a SON-led project.

Faculty member Dr. Fadi Khraim wanted to find out if an impedance cardiology machine commonly used for monitoring high blood pressure could help patients with congestive heart failure.

After conducting some background investigation, Dr. Khraim put together a research team that included two Eastern Health nurse practitioners from the congestive failure clinic, and a research assistant position for a nursing student.

It was just the spark Ms. Morgan needed. She applied, was successful, and spent the next year-and-a-half working on the project.

“I was getting to see how research unfolded, how it works and how it takes time,” Ms. Morgan said. “There are no quick answers. I really found my niche, that extra bit of push to be inspired. Some people get hooked on governance or interested in policy development – for me, it’s research.”

During her third year, Ms. Morgan was also enrolled in Dr. Karen Parsons’ nursing research course. It was perfect timing. The course not only helped her learn about different kinds of research; she discovered a whole new vocabulary.

“Research is definitely something I want to do. I’m passionate about it,” she said. “Instead of always thinking about the tasks I’m doing, I’m also thinking about how I can change something to do it better. It’s important in nursing to look at things differently, and to be willing to change your way of looking at things.”

Getting involved in research has helped in a multitude of ways, especially in Ms. Morgan’s clinical courses.

It’s also given her experience and knowledge that can be applied in her new post-BN role as a nurse in the case room at the Health Sciences Centre.

“Being involved in research has shown me that just because a task is performed in a specific way, doesn't mean that it is the best, or the worst. Research has shown me the importance of asking questions, and the positive impact it can have on patients’ lives.”