pros and cons to nursing research

Hi Maximilia

The field is so diverse I don't know if you will get a single response - you may get a variety of differing ones.

I think to be a research nurse there are a couple of things you need to be able to do:

• Have an eye for detail
• Have an understanding of ethics and legislation
• Have the ability to work autonomously
• Be able to work to strict protocols

There's loads more, but it depends upon the particular role and type of research...

Definitely important to be detail oriented and very organized. It is vital that you be well informed about ethics, laws and the Institutional Review Board rules governing your facility.

Nuts and bolts: You need to be somewhat of a salesman. You are selling the studies to the participants. You need to understand the studies thoroughly in order to do this well and ethically. I found that it was also important to be able to deal with all of the MDs involved if it is medical research. Egos are on the line and there are often behind-the-scenes issues between the physicians and facilities that you may be unaware of as a newcomer. Unfortunately, it may be your responsibility to keep the researchers on task which can take some finesse.

I tried research at a large, teaching facility and found it excrutiating. I didn't last. I think that maybe I maight have liked it more with a private company or if I was doing nurse research instead of medical research. Even though my experience wasn't optimal, I won't not recommend it. I did enjoy many aspects of it.

There is a job opening for Research Nurse Coordinator in the cancer. If I get clinical experience in oncology for 1-3 years, then I would be get valuable experience that I can apply in Nursing Research (Cancer) right?

Secondly, as a Research Nurse Coordinator, would my RN license be on the line?

Appreciated the advise of having to be a bit of salesperson, I can deal with that. I am a nurse who just graduated a month ago and I am considering oncology as my first job in nursing. However, I am just thinking about possible career path few years down the line. Thank you.

New RN Grad 2008 - if you practice as a nurse, you will always be in a situation where your licence could be on the line if you messed up. However I think the idea of practising in your desired field for a while first is a really good one - the best research nurses understand what normal pathways and care are and how the research deviates from current treatment. Good luck with your career!