Which group of nurses is least likely to be directly involved in research activities?

Novice nurses are typically the least likely to be directly involved in research activities due to their early stage of professional development. At this point in their careers, novice nurses are usually focused on gaining practical experience and building foundational clinical skills. They may not yet possess the knowledge or confidence to engage in research and are often still learning about the various types of evidence and best practices in nursing.

In contrast, other groups such as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurses at the PhD level often have more advanced training and experience in healthcare. Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists usually engage in patient care at a higher level and may contribute to research by applying evidence-based practices in clinical settings, thus keeping them in touch with the latest research developments.

Nurses at the PhD level, by virtue of their education, are often directly involved in research activities, including conducting studies and contributing to the development of nursing knowledge. Their advanced academic background typically equips them to design and analyze research, as well as translate findings into practice.

Thus, novice nurses' limited experience and focus on clinical practice make them less likely to participate directly in research activities compared to their more experienced counterparts.