Clinical Research Nurse or Infection Preventionist?

[setownsley, BSN, RN]

Hello! I am in a (grateful) dilemma and need some guidance. I was offered a position as a clinical research nurse and also an infection preventionist position at two different hospitals. I am extremely interested in both positions, however they are completely new areas to me. I am a newer nurse with two years critical care/ICU experience so I am still learning the nursing world. My main question is which job has more job openings/opportunities if I were to move states in a year or two or if I changed hospitals or companies.

Thank you!!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Neither. Those are both very specific positions. Do they exist here in Texas? Yes. But they aren't widespread. Of the two, I would think infection prevention would have a broader potential.

[loreali12]

Hi! Personally, I would choose whichever job interests you the most! both of those exist everywhere. From what I have seen in the hospitals I have worked in, the infection prevention nurse did a lot of presentations on the unit and in monthly meetings etc. and was always available for us to call if we had a question about putting patients on and taking off of precautions. A clinical research nurse would be good experience if you were interested in research! There are a lot of different subjects you can do research for in nursing. I have a family member who is an oncology research nurse and she loves it. If research is something you think you'd like, any research experience will help you get a different research job if you want it.

All in all, as you know from my post you commented on, currently I think the best opportunity is where you will be happiest! That goes for everyone. If you aren't happy in your current position, think about the day to day of both of the positions you have available to and choose the one that will make you happy. In the end that is all that matters and you will do a better job if you love your job!