need help/info on becoming research nurse

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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I went to a great community college in mass., for my ADN and even back then I knew I wanted to be a research nurse and sought guidance from my professors but, this was frowned upon as bedside nursing was their aim for us. don't get me wrong I respect bedside nursing and did it for years -- just not my hearts desire, I then went on to university to get my BSN where their focus was mainly community nursing...again same as bedside: respect it, did it, but wanted research nursing however direction/mentoring was not given. I've been a non practicing nurse for some time - had a stroke....now more than ever I want to be a research nurse but, don't know where to start - do I need to take more specialized classes? where do I begin.....all these years later still looking for some guidance, please!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The MSN programs at have a heavy research component, and require a research project as a capstone. It is a 100% online school (given your health situation)- and my MSN has opened up research opportunities for me. I currently work as a staff RN in a PICU at a large hospital (by choice until something opens up in staff development), but am conducting hospital-sponsored research as well.

The CNS role is research oriented - and I'm one of the only non-CNS in my institution who conducts research. I conduct non-clinical research, which is unusual.

Depending on where you live, some major urban hospitals have research departments- you might just call around and see what types of nurses are employed in those places. Good luck to you!

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The MSN programs at Western Governors University have a heavy research component, and require a research project as a capstone. It is a 100% online school (given your health situation)- and my MSN has opened up research opportunities for me. I currently work as a staff RN in a PICU at a large hospital (by choice until something opens up in staff development), but am conducting hospital-sponsored research as well.

The CNS role is research oriented - and I'm one of the only non-CNS in my institution who conducts research. I conduct non-clinical research, which is unusual.

Depending on where you live, some major urban hospitals have research departments- you might just call around and see what types of nurses are employed in those places. Good luck to you!

thank you so very much for your time and information

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Specializes in Pedi.

I know people who are simply BSN prepared nurses in MA who have worked as research nurses. Mass General hires research nurses in their ALS program and I know I've seen jobs listed at Dana Farber before too.

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The only major hospital interview I received was for a research position. I was excited at first because it thought it was cardiovascular floor, however, it was research based. I have previous Ortho Research and BIO degree which is probably why they called me. From a research prospective, emphasized your statistical expertise and your ambition to help publish articles. My role was probably a different while as a research assistant, but that is really what makes PI research continue... Publications. I frequently see jobs at Dana Farber, and the position that contacted me was Cardiovascular at BIDMC..

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