Nursing students often perceive research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) as essential but challenging to understand and apply. Traditional research assessments may feel disconnected from clinical practice, contributing to low confidence in using research in real-world settings. This study explores the impact of an authentic assessment-based curriculum on nursing students’ perceptions and confidence in research and EBP, following a redesign of a third-year nursing unit.

To align more closely with clinical practice, the unit’s content and assessment structure were updated to increase authenticity. Students, having completed three weeks of placement, were required to identify areas for improvement observed in their clinical practice, propose evidence-based solutions, and engage in research tasks directly related to patient care and healthcare systems.

A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted with 303 final-year undergraduate nursing students from a multi-campus regional Australian university. A validated survey measured perceptions and confidence before and after a semester-long research unit incorporating these authentic assessments. The response rate was 45% (n=192) for the pre-test and 26% (n=111) for the post-test. Results indicated no significant change in perceptions of research importance and usefulness; however, confidence in research skills improved significantly across 12 key areas (p < 0.001). Notable gains were observed in identifying research questions, conducting literature searches, evaluating ethical considerations, interpreting findings, and applying evidence to practice. Intent to engage with research or EBP did not change significantly, likely due to high baseline commitment.

These findings suggest that embedding authentic assessments in nursing curricula can bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing research competence and ultimately improving patient care outcomes. The study has also led to the development of an undergraduate research expo for 2025, inviting industry partners and offering a pathway into the Honours program for Bachelor of Nursing students.