  Nickelates are known for their metal to insulator transition (MIT) and an
unusual magnetic ordering, occurring at T=T_N\'eel. Here, we investigate thin
films of SmNiO_3 subjected to different levels of epitaxial strain. We find
that the original bulk behavior (T_N\'eel<T_MI) is strongly affected by
applying compressive strain to the films. For small compressive strains, a
regime where T_N\'eel=T_MI is achieved, the paramagnetic insulating phase
characteristic of the bulk compound is suppressed and the MIT becomes 1st
order. Further increasing the in-plane compression of the SmNiO_3 lattice leads
to the stabilization of a single metallic paramagnetic phase.
