How to become a clinical nurse researcher

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I am a fairly new nurse that is interested in becoming a clinical nurse researcher. I have two and a half years of medical/surgical experience. I see quite a few nurse researcher positions posted, but they all require research experience. Plus, a lot of them require oncology experience. I really don't like bedside nursing, so would oncology experience in a clinic setting suffice? I've been interested in research since before I became a nurse. What classes or certifications will help me? What advice do you have for someone trying to get their foot in the door?

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Hi Dear,

Have you had any luck? I'm hoping for some tips as well!

Good luck to you!

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i would say just apply and write a really good cover letter.... ya never know!

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

Can anyone share their path to becoming a research nurse? I have an interest in research in oncology; while I have oncology experience, I don't have any research experience, and every job seems to require it. I would love to hear how people broke into the field. If it's as simple as 'just apply', that's great, but if you have any tips, I'd love to hear them!

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i had no research experience and just kept applying until I was offered a job. I agree that most jobs say that experience is required but don't let that keep you from applying. are you near a major cancer center? (memorial sloan kettering, MD anderson etc)? those big centers usually have openings so give it a shot ?

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Any updates on this conversation? Did you get a job in oncology research nurse? I myself have a interview tomorrow and have no experience so would like some feedback on everyone's experience working in this field. Are you utilizing a lot of clinical skills? thanks!

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What aspect of research do you want to do? Research coordinator? Research lab? Data collection?

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Specializes in Professor,Med Surg, Long term care Research, Admin.

I replied to a couple of the forums concerning research nursing tonight. I started out with no experience in research. I just applied and they gave me a chance. I ended up going to another facility and got hired. Both were teaching hospitals so I would say look at teaching hospitals and private companies for research. The criteria for the private company working at a teaching hospital didn't require me to only be a nurse. The other position constantly hired nurses who had oncology experience for oncology trials. So I would say put in the search engine at teaching hospital clinical trials and it should bring up something.

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Specializes in 20.

Did anyone get a research job?

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On 9/7/2019 at 12:10 AM, MLTtonursing said:

I replied to a couple of the forums concerning research nursing tonight. I started out with no experience in research. I just applied and they gave me a chance. I ended up going to another facility and got hired. Both were teaching hospitals so I would say look at teaching hospitals and private companies for research. The criteria for the private company working at a teaching hospital didn't require me to only be a nurse. The other position constantly hired nurses who had oncology experience for oncology trials. So I would say put in the search engine at teaching hospital clinical trials and it should bring up something.

How did they train you given you don’t have the oncology experience? Do you feel comfortable without that oncology experience? What is your position like? I’m considering a similar position, but don’t have oncology experience either.

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