Research Opportunities?

BCRNA · Dec 14, 2012

Hi I have a BSN and am at the point where I am exploring different avenues that I could go into. I like the role of CRNA because I like hands on patient care and performing skills. I also have always wanted to participate in research. So I am wondering are there opportunities for CRNAs to participate in research or patient studies in the hospital? I am hoping to stay in the FL area. Would I also need the DNP or a PhD on top of the CRNA to do any type of research? Thanks :)

To do your own research you need a phd. A DNP is for implementing research findings into practice, you can assist in others research with it. Very few crnas do research, it is much needed. I am in a phd program now, I love it. Any nurse can assist with research, there are also masters level education available in clinical research management. Research pays much less, I want to do it because I enjoy it. A phd won't increase a crnas income, just expand job opportunities.

Sippie · Dec 18, 2012

Thank you for your reply and clarification between what the DNP and PhD can do for CRNAs who want to be in research.

Your PhD program sounds interesting. Congratulations, I'm sure it was a lot of work to get into. Is it a program that goes along with the initial CRNA program (direct entry) or after the Masters/CRNA? Have you be able to participate in any actual research studies yet?

I am not as interested in the salary as in doing something that I could be passionate about. I think whatever I did, I would have to have some type of research or discovery/learning going on and feel like I could really contribute to the science of nursing. I really enjoy the laboratory experiences I had during nursing school (chemistry, biology, micro etc) and did indeed sign up for another chemistry class for this spring semester even though I don't technically need it. I do love hands on care but also would probably like to conduct my own research study at some point so the PhD would probably be better for me.

I would love to see more nurses taking on leadership roles in research. I hate the thought that only doctors have any meaningful contribution to science and how the nurses only take the "dumbed down" science classes. I have heard this a lot!

I am thinking of going ahead and completing a informal diy post bacc even though I am not going to med school (too long) but it is something I could do to help me get into a research lab for experiences, build a really solid 'hard' science foundation, and meantime I will get some more recent ICU experience. My ICU experience is old and I am trying to get my 'foot back in the door' in that area so to speak.

missnurse01, MSN, RN · Dec 19, 2012

Thank you for stepping up and being passionate about this field ! It is surely lacking as many crnas have said.