Help! Advice (long)

[ThanksForAllTheFish!]

I am trying to learn more about research nursing.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself first.

I graduated with a bachelor's in psychology. I worked three years as a research assistant in a university's pharm and neuroscience dept. I did behavioral testing on mice, ethanol binge studies on mice, and some cell culture work. There were good things and bad things about my job. A variety factors and circumstances led me to an accelerated bachelors in nursing program. I really thought it was right for me and my family. I graduated in Aug 08 and started a ICU internship in September. I just had my first week (on nights) on my own. Even during my school clinicals I knew that I would be someone who would really need to find a niche to really be happy. I also knew that bedside nursing was not what I wanted to do forever. But truthfully I really hate going to work. I don't feel like the environment and functioning of bedside nursing works for me.The truth is I miss research. I also know and have heard that it takes awhile and that self-doubting is common for new grads. And it's not that its ICU. I know for a fact that floor nursing is something I could not handle at all (those nurses that do that are amazing, I have the utmost respect for them!). I'm not someone that quits anything (I always just push through), so even considering leaving this soon just shows how emotional and mentally drained I am.

I would just like to combine the two worlds, nursing and research. I looked at many post on this site and resources on the web, but I can't really get a grip on the day to life of a nurse researcher or the true nature of the work. Plus, is it possible to get a job in nurse research with such little acute care experience. I do have 3 years research experience, just not nursing. My true passion is neuro.

Sorry for the long post, hard week, needed to vent and learn. I really want what everyone wants: I job that you don't dread going to and when you're not there to not worry about having to go back.

ANY help/information/resources would be a godsend! Thanks in advance

[Mr Ian]

If you're an experienced researcher then you may be ahead of the game already as most do nursing first then either progress - or often 'fall' - into research.

There are nursing research opportunities everywhere but without the clinical experience it will probably hold you back a little.

I would suggest perhaps that if you undertook a nursing research study of your own volition for publication (and if your quality of research is good publication should be relatively easy) and then you have some fair ammunition for your CV/resume.

Good luck.

[BunkyRN]

Hi there !

I am a research nurse and maybe can give you some help. I work as a clinical research coordinator (CRC). You dont have to be a nurse to do this job but you do need medical experience... which you have.

I work for a group of doctors that do pharmacutical research. My job is that I coordinate and basically run the study. Currently I have the following studies : 2 B/P studies, a pneumonia vaccine, vero-cell derived flu vaccine and an adolescent migraine PK study.

I see the patients and do their visits according to the protocal guidelines. At my job we have people that run regulatory, lab, recruitment and data entry. Some CRC's have to do all that themselves. Just depends on the doc you work for and how many studies they conduct. We do alot of screenings and patient education and follow up work. It is a nice environment to work in. We get to travel to the Investigator Meetings with the PI (primary investigator) to learn about the study and the protocal. Its requires good assessment skills and a good knowledge of your general medical stuff (meds, labs, disease processes). There is a butt load of paperwork that comes along with the job. You have CRA's (clinical research associates) that come to "monitor" your study and go thru every word in your source (charts) and make sure that they are in compliance with the FDA.

If this is something that you think you would like, do a search for jobs with that title and see what comes up.

I so don't blame you about the bedside nursing, I did it for 9 years.... the only thing is typically we dont make alot of money and are salary. But it beats wiping up poo and dealing with crazy family members (who just dont get it !) !

[rnicare]

Hello,

One place you may be able to get both neuro and research at the same time would be in an academic setting. Most university hospitals have specialized units which include Neuro and generally do research. Centerwatch is a website that focuses on research and usually has job postings. Good Luck