Research Nursing

You might try volunteering for an entry-level research position as a way to get experience in the field at a hospital research dept or at a company that conducts clinical research trials, or try looking for a temp part-time entry-level research position, as a way to gain experience in the field.

I strongly recommend working the floor for at least a year in an area in which you might want to research. It is very important to have a clear understanding of what you might one day research. I am a Quality coordinator and assist in researching trends and also running studies on GI procedures, times, sedation, infection control, as well as teaching. I was able to get this position because I had exp in GI and assisting these procedures and let me tell you I would be lost had I not had it! Good luck I hope you find a position you like and can grow in there is so much to offer in nursing.

The question is: are you planning to be a Research Nurse, or a Specialty Nurse who works in research? There is a difference. Once you have 2-3 years as a Research Nurse/Coordinator, you should be able to run a protocol in essentially any discipline, recognizing that you'll need to do some study on the basics of the specific practice area. After 10 years in research, my frustration was that I could take a protocol from start to finish in any area, but my clinical depth wasn't growing.

If you have a passion for a practice area (OB, Transplant, whatever), get your floor-time first. If you have a passion/interest in the new and different, going "straight" research is not a bad way to go.

Hi Peanut&Buttercup,

yeah I agree with Rob72, there's a big difference between being a research nurse and a nurse researcher, I share your frustration too Rob72, I've been in research for over 6 years now and even though we are generic and can develop our research skills our "clinical depth" as you so helpfully call it, seems to become more shallow year on year, depending on the study you work on of course and how long it is and your role in it. Its a great job, Peanut&Buttercup, skills that will stand you in good stead are: communication (surprise), networking, organisation, time management, attention to detail, flexibility, patience and tolerance to name a few oh and the ability to be able to translate complex and complicated information into an easy to understand nutshell for a potential participant, enjoy autonomy, uses initiative...give it a go, the main difference really is either do your own research or put someone else's protocol into effect, both have their pros and cons - if I can find out how to upload an article I would, you may find it helpful its UK, but references and experience will be helpful...any hints out there anyone can give me to upload ? be grateful

Vianne