Nursing research with ADN?

Can you get nursing research jobs with an ADN, or do you have to have a BSN to work in this area?

I don't have a BSN in nursing. I have a BS in something else, plus an Assoc in Nursing. It didn't seem to be in issue when I got hired. Good luck.

what would be an ideal (nursing or non-nursing) master's degree to get to increase my chances of working in research?

Can you get nursing research jobs with an ADN, or do you have to have a BSN to work in this area?

At my hospital, which is a major university research/teaching facility, yes, ADN's are employed as research nurses. I know two of them personally.

But I don't know how common that is in other places.

Absolutely you can get into research with an ADN degree!!!! As long as you have an "RN" degree, dosen't matter most of the time, if associates, diploma, or BSN. I'm an ADN RN with almost six yrs experience, who just landed a research position at a private oncology practice specializing in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. It's just finding the opportunity/ies. Research nursing is exploding, and that is the continuing trend in the future! Some pharma companies do require a BSN, but not all to be a clinical research coordinator or CRC. You start as an "on site" CRC, then after two documented years from an MD (according to the ACRP) you can then sit for the exam for certification. After that, you can bump up to being a CRA or a "monitor" as they are called in the industry. They get paid the big bucks, especially after they've logged a couple of years under their belt. The only down side, is they do have to travel to their regional sites. Some fly all over the US. There are however "in house" CRA's also, thank goodness. (for those of us with children!!) My colleague just left our practice for an in house monitor with Pfizer!!! She'll be only traveling 25% regionally! Nice job! The beauty is with research, you can get a job anywhere in the USA or Europe. I just research job sites last night, and they are everywhere. Monster, Medzilla, Careerbuilder, ACRP, SoCRA, Bioview, Hotjobs, etc. Goodluck with your pursuits!