[luckyjacquot]

Hi all,
My hubby is interested in research nursing. Can you tell me what type of degree is needed and where to get some info about it.
Thanks so much!
GJ

[gb422]

Hi GJ! I just stumbled across your post. Ironically, I just resigned a position in research nursing today. I was sorry to leave the position, but the contracting company I worked for was terrible. Fortunately, the majority of contracting companies are not this way, I just happened to pick the exception! The type of work I did was trauma research for the Army. I've been an LPN in PA for 8 years and an LVN in TX for one. I have no degree, just my diploma in practical nursing. I'm not sure what other employers require, but aside from me, the two other nurses were RN's. One was previously in the OR and the other actually had let her nursing license expire several years ago. They were looking more at the overall medical background I think. I would say a variety of experience in different fields will help, as well as some info technology background. Hope this helps a little!

[luckyjacquot]

Thanks for the quick reply! A friend of mine was telling me that there was a big demand for research nurses, and I wasn't familiar with it. She says the pay is better than working in a hospital. Do you agree? Sounds like an interesting position. My husband is a teacher, but is looking to change careers. I am a RN student. We are just exploring the different fields of nursing because we are not really interested in working in hospital.
Thanks for the info.....GJ

[anc33]

Originally Posted by luckyjacquot

Thanks for the quick reply! A friend of mine was telling me that there was a big demand for research nurses, and I wasn't familiar with it. She says the pay is better than working in a hospital. Do you agree? Sounds like an interesting position. My husband is a teacher, but is looking to change careers. I am a RN student. We are just exploring the different fields of nursing because we are not really interested in working in hospital.
Thanks for the info.....GJ

Historically, the pay is better in hospitals. Compensation for research nurses is often similar to working in a Dr's office. I have worked in research in a number of states. I started in Baltimore where a new nurse at JHH made approx 50K while one in research (experience needed) started at 46K.

[jjjoy]

And it's still generally expected that a new grad nurse will work in a hospital setting for at least a year or two before working as a nurse outside the hospital. That's not always the case but if the RN job involves patient assessment and clinical skills, many non-hospital organizations don't have the manpower to properly train up a new grad and wants to hire a nurse with hands-on patient experience. Nursing school clinicals are only an introduction. It's on the job that the nurse truly builds their skills.

[sharona97]

Where do you find positions avaiable. I live in MN and can't seem to get a foot in the door even though I have CRA and CRC experience?

[smile123]

Originally Posted by sharona97

Where do you find positions avaiable. I live in MN and can't seem to get a foot in the door even though I have CRA and CRC experience?

If you do a Google lookup with CRA job Minnesota, you can find several links. Usually, it would be a pharma/biotech company. Here's a couple of links:

http://www.hirebio.com/a/biotech/minnesota-jobs/

http://clinical.thingamajob.com/jobs...ociate/1319966

http://www.hirehealth.com/ (for job fairs)

Good luck!

[sharona97]

Thank You so much for the links & info!

[MomenTs]

Thanks