Can a new BSN grad w/research experience get a research nurse job?

Specialties Research

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Specializes in Public Health.

Hi everyone! I am calling on the wisdom of all of you working nurses for some guidance.

I am currently in my last semester of an accelerated BSN program, graduating in December. I have an MPH (epidemiology) degree and 8 years of experience with research, mostly as an epidemiologist at the state health department and the CDC. However, this research experience was not with clinical trials; it was with grant-funded surveillance studies. But, I'm knowledgeable of research methods, and of course, my "new" skills that I'm learning in nursing school.

My question is, would my background make me an attractive candidate for an entry-level clinical research nurse position right out of school? I have never aspired to be a hospital nurse, and I truly feel this specialty will integrate my love of public health, research, and patient education better than any other specialty. Or, should I try to get that year or two of acute care experience under my belt first? A university near me has posted positions for a CRN 1 that ask for a year of nursing experience...do you think I could apply without that experience as a new grad with a research background?

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Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.

I had 6 months of ED RN experience before I was hired as research coordinator in emergency medicine research. It was all about what I brought to the table from my previous experience. I think you'd be a solid candidate.

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Specializes in Public Health.

Thanks for your input. I'm just trying to get an idea as to whether hospital experience will be an absolute necessity. I do have some contacts in clinical research at a big research university in town, so I'll do some informational interviews with them to get a sense of whether I'd be a good fit.

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I'm in the same position (different research experience... transgenic mice and mouse embryonic stem cell core facility work here). But I was wondering the same thing and I'm glad you asked! I hope more people offer input here.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

Yes, both of you would be viable candidates for a clinical research RN. Why not apply? This area of nursing can be very tedious at times. If you are an adrenaline junkie; you will not like research nursing!

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Specializes in Public Health.

Thanks Hoozdo! I will definitely consider applying to some positions. And I don't mind the fact that research nursing isn't exactly fast paced, but thanks for the warning, LOL.

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Specializes in Research.

I am wondering the same thing. I have 2 years of academic research with my BSN and ~6 mo experience as an RN. I'll be applying to CRC and CRA positions. Hopefully my research experience makes me stand out as a good candidate.

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Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.
Hoozdo said:
Yes, both of you would be viable candidates for a clinical research RN. Why not apply? This area of nursing can be very tedious at times. If you are an adrenaline junkie; you will not like research nursing!

Depends what area you work in. I'm in Emergency Medicine. Several of our studies get me in the heart of the action without TOO much responsibility. I also find working to tight timelines to be very fast-paced. Different strokes!

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Specializes in HIV, Psych, GI, Hepatology, Research.

You can luck up on these types of positions as well. I am a LPN at a large GI/Hepatology clinic and I have been the nurse to help with their study patients when they come into the office. Now the research/study part of the practice is expanding and as I get my RN (done with this soon) they want me to move to research full time as their research RN instead of losing me. I love that they think of me as a valued employee. I also worry about what I could miss out on by not going into bedside nursing. It is also great experience and a great career move to do research nursing and I know others that would love to have the chance. Good luck.

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I've been thinking about applying to a Research Nurse position but I have a few reservations, one of which is going from a unionized bedside nursing career to a non union position as a research nurse (the ones I've seen posted are all non union). Does anyone have any information on what it's like being a Research Nurse and not part of a union in relation to job security, pay, and health benefits? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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