So, after nearly a year looking for work (new BSN as of last year), I stumbled into a research position. They wanted an RN, and I accepted. It's a 5-year grant, and sounds like fun. I will be recruiting, making home visits and helping compile data and possibly the paper. I am very analytical, which is partly why I took the job. The other part - we all know - because of the economy/hiring freezes/no new grads/very hard to come by.
The plus sides: it pays well, as I will be making more than most new grads in our area, it's very flexible, and IT IS A JOB!
The down sides: the only skills I will be using is drawing blood, which I already knew how to do, working as a medical assistant for years, and some assessment (psychological only), interacting with, and teaching of the participants. That's it. All the stuff I learned in nursing school - lost? (I guess I should throw the driving in there, as I will be driving through the city and commuting from home a lot).
How do I keep up skills for future jobs? Is it not a good idea to start in research? Has anyone experienced this, or know of anyone having a hard time getting a job on a unit or doctor's office after this?
Any advice welcome. Oh, I should mention that it is at a university, so I could probably get some continuing education, but not sure about clinicals or shadowing. I would prefer patient contact, other than participants in a study and the doctors and nurses I will be interacting with.
Specializes in Medical-Surgical-Ortho-Neuro-Agency.
It's amazing that you want to keep up with your clinical nursing skills. Perharps, you can pick up some extra hours at your local hospital, or LTC setting. As long as you do what you love to do. You should be fine!!!
Jambi462, thank you for sharing this information with us. Your job sounds awesome. I am a new grad currently looking for work myself and your experience has inspired me. If you don't mind, I would like to ask you, how did you do your job search? How did you find out about a nurse research job? The only jobs I ever see are the hospital and nursing home kind.
I just saw an ad for a research nurse "the other day". I'm using Monster and also looking at facility/employer websites directly. This is in Massachusetts.
BunnyRN
158 Posts
It's amazing that you want to keep up with your clinical nursing skills. Perharps, you can pick up some extra hours at your local hospital, or LTC setting. As long as you do what you love to do. You should be fine!!!
Follow your heart!!!