Are research nurses considered authors of papers?

Specialties Research

Published

Specializes in ICU.

One career idea I have is to go into research like maybe phd program in biomedical sciences someday. But these programs only want people with research experience who have authored papers. I am currently an ICU nurse thinking to maybe become a research nurse first and then later apply to such a program.

However does the research nurse actually get listed on the papers as one of the authors? I hear it is so important for research nurses to read and write well but do the nurses actually help to write the paper? If not then what are they writing exactly?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I have had my research published. I work at a facility that actively promotes and funds nursing research through our Clinical Specialist group (I am not a CNS). Does your hospital have a Research and Regulatory Affairs Department? They would be the folks to talk to.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

If you helped with the research study, or assisted in screening patients for a study, you are likely to be listed as a co-author or co-investigator. It's definitely not as sexy as being the principal investigator, but it can help you get your name on some articles. I work at a teaching hospital that's in the middle of two big studies (that I'm aware of) in women's and infants' health. The RNs and NPs who screen patients for them are listed as co-investigators.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Why in the world wouldn't your paper be published under your name if you wrote it? Go small at first. Pick something that you think is worth publishing and submit for review. Some people write like crazy and submit multiple papers and never get published.

I compare this to trying to be an actor or a singer, there are thousands of men and women out there trying to break into the field but only a few make it. It must be a passion that drives you.

There are many nursing research journals that are juried. Some will list what they're interested in and current trends in nursing research. Do an internet search/ review and research it, you'll be surprised at what you find. Write them all for information and see what comes back. Good luck to you.

http://algoclicks.com/a/serpr?r=ApGTB0NRLZZuy5m5mI1mWgiB2BlAG2uiCJfGhEJ3n1N8kFL758XKKORcdAHnEJ9naDPiUi9nj8C4WNfwCyhh69ADI4pA3-PAN9y7HmB5cIYHQiy6jh_GAocpoqMQbC2kAW4Jv1IUBHMo8WUhE8DYt9iTJwBs8KSJNoum8o9qxXs30GRIuLcVEcaHaAZ_bRfViOLNMcy4YZzfTjBUCh-3lpou310xaaOHEcccmB2SWXvOMSA-3xm2rY14koaFW_ximM_aMdZ94cCb84jKxL95l7b30UQNa4KhL6s82QTktgnxzUa-riI8pSQ5rbWFvTS_&bt=&p=6

I'm sure you already know this info, but when I post on this site I like to educate some of the others that may be reading this post who are interested in research or just how to evaluate whether an article is juried or not. Since in most nursing programs the students research must include juried articles for their research papers. :up:

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Hi Orangemocha

I just saw your post and I'm joining in on your post a bit late..

I've a couple of small research papers and abstracts as both the principle author, as well as a contributing author. Here's some suggestions that may help you reach your goals. What I've done in the past is to: (a) join a couple of small research studies that were taking place in my clinic / department; (b) an initial step into the field of research that you may want to try, is to submit a research abstract / article for a small "test of change" for an extremely small research project that you can develop in your own clinic / department in ICU. These can be set up as an "experiment", and/or even as simple as a work-flow process quality improvement process (i.e. CQI / Six Sigma Lean / TJC improvement process / ICU patient safety goals process improvement "project", before / after, etc.) Then do a write up of a research abstract and submit to a nursing conference. This would at least get you started on the publishing route.. Research can be written / done on anything and in any field, so you can certainly do your research on any of your area(s) of expertise.

I'm in the process of completing my PhD dissertation...I'm in the IRB committee review process..

Hope this helps! Best Wishes!

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I am a college student with an opportunity to work at ucla on a mental health project with a published professor. I will be working with a team on a research topic, but would love to have it published. Is there a certain approach to become a co-author? I enjoy researching and learning and will be applying for nursing school next year. For nurses with published work, can you please explain when it says "Focus on your contribution rather than your research topic." Thanks in advance

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Hi Tasha

All you have to standardly do in order to be "published" is to follow the requirements of the organization in which you want to be published. As it sounds you have the opportunity to be part of a mental health project. If the "published" professor is the one publishing and/or is the one who is "mentoring" you so you can "publish" your project, I'm assuming you have an organization in mind in which to publish? i.e. APA (American Psychological Association) perhaps? or some other mental health association? (There are a number of associations).

What I might do first is to confirm the requirements for publishing with the organization that I would want to publish with, which would most likely include: 1) when to submit an abstract, article, oral paper, poster, and/or paper to this organization; 2) for apa, I believe you have to confirm the instructions for submitting morificecripts, etc. depending on the particular subject in psy you are interested in (i.e. Health Psy, Org Psy, etc) 3) confirm the length of pages allowed; 4) the number of authors allowed; as well as 5) other publishing requirements, such as submission dates, etc.

Then, you group can, perhaps confer the published professor, if he/she contributed to your project, they most likely will expect to be on your paper, as an author.. NOTE: There is also a standard way that researchers are given credit in the Author research credits with the Senior Author noted first, then second researcher who contributed the most noted second, and then the third researcher who contributed the most noted Last. Everyone else is added in the middle.. This is how I was always taught when I first started my research... Just an fyi.. At least make sure to always note the Senior author first...Hope this helps..

here's a link to APA on "how to submit an article to APA"....Hope this helps! Best of luck!

How do I submit an article for publication?

-D

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I enjoy researching and learning and will be applying for nursing school next year. For nurses with published work, can you please explain when it says "Focus on your contribution rather than your research topic." Thanks in advance

It means that, instead of writing (I assume you are asking about essays for nursing school applications?), "I was part of a research team that investigated how sweet potato intake affects blood pressure," they want to hear, "... and my role on the team was to interview potential subjects to determine their eligibility for the subject," or "... and I did all the data entry," or "... and I was the chief pencil sharpener," or whatever you actually did in the study. All studies sound impressive when you talk about them. The people asking the question want to know how involved and substantive your participation in the study was, beyond saying you were a member of the research team.

Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in NICU.

I've been listed on many publications - usually as a middle author, but it's still pretty neat! ;) I have been the first author on one paper during my two years in research...and I didn't even seek that out!

There are plenty of publication opportunities in research. PM me if you have more questions - I will try to help.

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