Do you get opportunities to do independent side projects?

[dxlpochacco]

Hi all! I am in the final rounds in interviewing for a research nurse position and was wondering if it is typical or rare for researches nurses to get the opportunity to do interesting, independent projects. Can anyone give examples? Also, if this is possible how did you go about getting it (ex. Approaching the PI, etc.)Thanks!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I suppose it would be possible, but you'd have to go through the whole IRB process. You can't just do stuff on your own, it all has to be approved. Lots of hoops to jump through.

I will be doing a research project as my Master's capstone, and I hope to do it with something in the demographic with whom I work (pregnant mothers and newborns/NICU infants), so I will in essence be doing this as a side project. But, as with any study, it has to go through the IRB first.

[dxlpochacco]

Klone, thanks for replying. That's great that you will be starting to do a project for your capstone. I guess part of why I asked this question is that I'm worried wing a research nurse will leave no room for professional development for me. I'm ok not doing all sorts of independent things but I like being challenged and I'm not sure if this happens in research nursing. With that said my position is in an academic research trials setting.

[klone, MSN, RN]

While I don't get to use all of the technical skills I learned in nursing school and practiced as a floor nurse, I feel like getting into research has really stretched my mind and sharpened my analytical skills. I'm also in an academic research setting, and I feel very privileged to be part of a research team at a medical school/teaching hospital. I'm kind of nerdy and bookish, so I fit right in in this role. I feel like we're part of something really amazing and very important. And because we have to collect samples, I still keep my phlebotomy skills sharp (they've actually *improved* since I've taken this position), which is one of my favorite technical tasks as a nurse.

[dxlpochacco]

That's awesome! I actually have an MSN with a concentration in Public Health. I one day want to go back and get my PhD to do research as well. I completely relate to the nerdy, bookish thing. I'm excited to get paid to read research. I would really appreciate having a contact in the field I'm about to get into. Feel free to PM me if that's ok with you. I'd love to know more about what you do and I'm sure you have some good tips for someone starting out in this area.