Research and new grad status?

Specialties Research

Published

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Hi all. I am newly accepted to nursing school and I know I still have awhile before I should really be *worried* about this however, being the planner I am I was wondering if Clinical Research nursing is something a new grad could jump into straight away.

A little background about me. I am a pseudo-career changer. I say pseudo because I have been working in biomedical research for about 10 years and have worked on a range of projects in toxicology, pharmacology and oncology primarily at the bench and am currently working as a Regulatory Coordinator and Data Manager for multiple clinical trials. I know that I want to work as a trial nurse and eventually as a consultant. So I was just curious as to whether it was advisable to hit the ground running post-graduation into clinical trials or whether I should focus on gaining nursing experience in a specialty first.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Specializes in NICU.

Greetings KeyLime,

While I think that you will make an exceedingly strong candidate to enter research right off the bat, I would strongly suggest that you put in at least 6 months - 1 year of hospital nursing first. Six months will go by in no time, and it will give you exposure and confidence in your nursing practice. Plus, it will also give you a little bit of flexibility should you choose to leave research later in your career.

If you can stand it...I would really try for 2-3 years of bedside before heading back to research (rough, I know). PM me if you have more questions - glad to help.

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Thank you, ToughingItOut. My gut is kinda telling me to get a year or so of bedside experience for the same reasons you listed - flexibility. Although I love research, I would hate to pigeonhole myself since I do have a few other interests as well.

Are you in research?

Specializes in NICU.

I have worked in research in the past and I miss it very much....I'll hopefully find my way back to research soon. Unfortunately, bedside tends to pay better. :/

My class had a guest speaker who is a research nurse, her first job after graduating nursing school. So it's possible! I'm interested in research nursing too and I wish I had asked this guest speaker about her general work history and her school experiences in regards to clinicals... perhaps she already had the kind of background that gave her an advantage in getting hired in the first place? You already have a strong research background, OP, but it wouldn't hurt to get that general nursing experience. If you're worried about it, go for it first. Good luck!

Specializes in Research.

OP, you have plenty of experience to get a job as a research nurse. I worked as a research assistant for 2 years in the lab, ended up going to nursing school and worked on the floor for about 9 months before I got my current job as a research nurse. They took me over many other candidates because of my research lab experience, which it sounds like you have more than enough. I would echo the previous posters and get some floor time in for the experience, but it's up to you. Also, I'm getting paid significantly more as a research nurse, my pay is about 30% more than what I was getting on the floor, so it must vary depending on where you are.

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