Breaking into Nursing Research

[BeachNurse]

I noticed that there have been a couple recent postings asking for information and I thought I would respond.

The best way to get started in research if you don't have a BSN is to seek a position as a research nurse or research coordinator with a large University/academic type setting. In order to get a position with Pharmaceutical research you will need some type of Bachelor of Science degree. Pharm Co. positions require extensive travel but excellent pay and benefits.

I have been a clinical research coordinator for a year and a half..I will be going for my Certification in another few months. You don't always have to have experience to break into the field if you start with a University setting. Let me know if you have more questions and I will try to answer them. :) :)

[Scis]

Help!

I am pursuing my BSN and this semester I am taking Nursing Research and statistics for the first time. My first classes were the last two nights and I am intimidated already! Math just produces chills up my spine! I can't imagine going into research only because of the anxiety it causes me. I am currently a certified emergency nurse, and after ten years of this "hard labor", I want to do something different after I finish the BSN.

Any encouraging words/tips, etc.?

Thanks!

[doobiedo, RN]

There are many different 'research' type job classifications. I work in clinical research department in data management sector for major pharma company. Great benefits, no travel and they are paying for me to finish my BSN that I started many years ago. Hope to advance to other department once degree is under my belt.

Best way to break into pharma's in my area of country is through agency.

Rarely are persons hired "off the street" unfortunately except for the PhDs and MD's.

[Wren]

Scis,

Trust me, you do more math in your ER job than you will ever do in many research jobs! Most academically oriented research jobs will have you evaluating and consenting patients, collecting study related data, documenting in a database or on a CRF (case report forms). The statistics involved are complex and generally performed by someone hired by the sponsor or a local statistican. I've never heard of a research nurse who is also responsible for major number crunching!

Research nursing jobs are perfect for organized, detail oriented folks who don't mind a ton of paperwork and who can ensure that a protocol is followed exactly each and every time you see a patient.

Good luck!

[BeachNurse]

Bumping for info. Moderator: Can we sticky this thread?? Thanks

[mikle]

Hello! I'm currently doing research for pharma companies, here in the philippines. They are requiring an allied medical BS degree. What about in the US? I'm interested to work in the same field, but since im not yet an NCLEX passer yet, could i still apply as a Clinical Research assistant? What are the qualifications to be an assistant? If you apply in a hospital as a research assistant are you still required to do 40hr/wk? Or would you just be required to do patient visits and just finish the paperworks and you're required to do within the timeline?

[SaudiNurse]

hello,

I'm doing my master in community health (thesis stage) my thesis about level of stress among nurses in certain population and coping strategies..

I'm wondering if anyone know about helpful researchers agency who can give me a hand in such thing ?

Thanks for your post

[RN2RN]

Hi I have BSN and am currently working in North Carolina, thinking about moving to DC area and planning to work in research, I do not have any prior research experience. so how should I go about it, please help me!!!