The Research Onion as a Teaching Tool in Nursing Education: Enhancing Research Competence among Nursing Students.

Research competence is a critical skill for nursing students, underpinning evidence-based practice and ensuring high-quality patient care. However, the complexity of research methodologies often poses challenges to students in understanding and applying research concepts. The Research Onion, developed by Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2007), offers a structured, progressive framework that simplifies the research process. This article explores the application of Research Onion as a teaching tool in nursing education, demonstrating how it can enhance students’ research competence. It examines the structure of the Research Onion, its relevance to nursing education, practical strategies for implementation, and potential benefits and challenges. The paper concludes with recommendations for educators, institutions, and students to integrate the Research Onion into nursing curricula to foster a new generation of competent, confident nurse researchers.