Nurse Research/Biomedical Researcher/ Medical Scientist

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a "nurse researcher", a "biomedical researcher" and a "medical scientist"? Biomedical research sounds intensely interesting to me but I don't want to put more time in than a bachelors. It looks like all those other research-scientist positions require a medical degree, Phd, graduate....blah, blah. Can you go the nursing route and still research like a medical scientist?

If you wouldn't mind, can you tell me what exactly a "nurse researcher" does? Do you work hands on with patients or behind the scenes? I would appreciate any info.

Thanks!!!

[BeachNurse]

I believe that you have to be a M.D. to be a medical scientist...

[llg, PhD, RN]

Each academic discipline (medicine, nursing, biology, physiology, sociology, ecomomics, etc.) has its own body of knowledge that serves as a basis for that discipine. A nurse researcher explores questions relavant to nursing practice and expands the body of nursing knowledge. A medical research explores research topics of special interest to physicians ... etc. Sometimes, those questions/topics overlap and people of disciplines will work together on a multi-disciplinary team. Sometimes people in different disciplines will study the same topic -- but approach it from a different angle because of the different disciplinary perspectives.

To be head of a research project or research team usually requires a doctoral degree -- and that's true for every discipline. That's because undergraduate curricula do not generally include the advanced research methodology courses, statistics courses, etc. that are needed to design and supervise major research projects. Also, doctoral programs include experiences working on research projects that helps the student learn more about research. Finally, research benefits from an indepth knowledge of the field, a depth which rarely comes from just an undergraduate education. Research costs money, and the people who pay for research will usually only entrust their money to someone who has the appropriate background.

However, most research requires a team of people to actually conduct and many of those positions as assistants, data collectors, project managers, lab technicians, etc. do NOT require a graduate degree. If you can identify what type of work you like to do and where your talents lie, you can get an undergraduate degree to prepare you to be a research team member. You won't be conducting your OWN research as the principle investigator who oversees everything, but you will be doing research work.

For example, if you like laboratory work, you could become a lab technician. If the field of nursing interests you, you could become a nurse. Then you could move into a research role through a variety of paths.

llg