What do you like about being a research nurse?

Specialties Research

Published

I would like to hear from some research nurses as to what they like about being a research nurse? Do you find clinical trials interesting? Is this area of nursing rewarding to you? Thanks! :)

Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

I've decided I'm going into research nursing, (I like bedside, but I don't feel 'wired' for it). I hope it shouldn't be too difficult in my area as a new grad with research experience. Thanks for all the advice- I've applied to several CRC positions at several universities, so I'll see what happens! Do y'all recommend also trying to get something at bedside as well to keep up clinical skills?

I think I have the best of both world as a Solid Organ Transplant Research Nurse. I worked for 10 years in various Research positions (Office Manger in Research facility, Oncology Research Board Pre-Reviewer, Research Assistant, Research Coordinator) in various fields (Mental Health, Oncology, Stem cell) before I got my RN. I knew I wanted to stay in Research, but as mentioned in a previous post....its hard as a new RN to fine tune all your hands-on nursing skills as a Research Nurse. This is where I was extremely lucky to find my current position. As a Transplant Research Nurse I work in the clinic, OR and on the Hospital floor performing various nursing skills for our research protocols. As this patient populations receives various types of intensive treatment with infusions and oral medications during and after transplant. I have been able to fine tune many of my RN skills. Although, I am always excited to start a new protocol that will require me the opportunity to fine tune another skill. I have looked into becoming a CRA. I feel I have a lot to offer with my vast knowledge from various professional research experiences. However, losing the direct patient care contact is what has kept me from every applying every time! I'm too new of a Nurse, it's still new and exciting to me......maybe once I'm burnt out ( I hear that happens), I'll move on to being a CRA. Universities are a great place to start with Research Nursing. They usually will have a variety of positions that you could qualify for and even though some are lower on the tier, your RN will help you be compensated at the high end of the pay scale. Research Nursing is defiantly one of the better paying positions for a nurse that would still like to have direct patient contact. It also has a lot of other great opportunities to expand your career (i.e. assisting on protocol development and writing=publications and notoriety in your field, being on the from line of exciting new treatments, and the rewarding feeling after an investigational product you worked with is approved by the FDA and available to the entire U.S.). I'm not going to lie, the job is very challenging at times coordinating multiple protocols and patients, and can be some very long hours some days. It is worth every minute to me :) Good luck to all of those RN's out there trying to succeed in a very rewording field!

I have been doing research for 15 years & love it.

The hours, the relationship you build with patients on long term trials. The mix of clinical and admin.

If are any Registered Nurses in Sydney Australia with good computer skills interested in part time regular hours (office hours) on set days and would like to explore the idea of clinical research nursing, we are just the place for you.

Feel free to send me your CV

[email protected]

Have a great day!

md9999

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

HEy. I know this is an old thread but would love to get some input. I have 10 years previous research experience. BA Chemistry MPH in Community Healthy. I have been accepted to both an ADN and BSN program. I am torn on which to choose. The ADN is 4 semesters and roughly costs $6k. The BSN is 6 semesters and will roughly be $19k. After doing the math even if I did a RN BSN bridge I'd still come out cheaper. Does the fact that I have prior research experience and degrees come into play when applying for jobs or are ADNs simply not hired. In general, the nursing climate in my area is fairly ADN friendly if that makes a difference.

Hi! I am also reading this old thread and found it very helpful. I am a new grad RN with a few months of pediatrics experience; I stopped working because of a family crisis but also felt strongly it wasn't the right fit. I am very interested in research, and loved conducting an independent research study as an undergrad BSN. I am very interested in research nursing, and was just looking for some advice as to how best to get this type of job? Is there anywhere that would hire a new grad, or is it better to spend a few years as a CRC/research assistant, or put in some more time at the bedside first? Thanks so much for any help!

Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

I have 2.5 years clinical experience, an MSN, an additional masters degree in epidemiology/biostats, and straight As in both programs, plus experience as a research assistant and associate, and I can't get an interview for a research nursing position to save my life. I'm about to start on the nursing research council at my hospital, and I'm hoping this will get my foot in the door somewhere, preferably at my own hospital! Research is why I went for a direct-entry MSN rather than an ADN, but that masters doesn't seem to mean anything when applying online for jobs. I think it's time for me to pound the pavement with my resume; in the meantime, I have an idea for a study at my own hospital to get started! :)

good infor thanks

can someone please help me? i need to critique this research article and having a hard time for what the conceptual framework is and the key concepts are. the article is antecedents of severe and nonsevere medication errors. please help!

What if I have a bachelors in biochemistry and am interested in entering clinical research... Would it be beneficial for me to pursue a nursing program? Or would I just need a phlebotomy certificate or something like that and that would be a tool I can attain for collections? How is clinical research like if you are a nurse versus non-nurse? I love learning about new medical advancements and the science involved in pharmacology... But it all protocol and data collection as I've heard? Which route would lend to more creativity, career advancement and a decent work schedule with kids?

Specializes in Education, research, telemetry, med/surg.

I haven't been in research for a year now...and I miss it!! Unfortunately when I moved, there wasn't much in the way of opportunity in this area. Hoping to get back to it before too long! That was my favorite position.

Hi everyone

i have a interview for clinical research nurse, just wondering what type of questions will be asked?

I know this is an older topic, but I am a new grad ADN with a BA in Psychology interested in oncology and clinical research/clinical trials. I have applied to all kinds of hospital RN positions just to get some experience, but so far have not had much luck. I have worked for the past year as a PCT in a hospital based outpatient oncology center that includes, chemotherapy, radiation, and hematological treatments. I would love to stay there as an RN, but unfortunately they will not hire new grads. I would have to get at least 1 full year of inpatient RN experience. I have read some posts from new grads on this site saying that they were hired as new grad RNs in outpatient oncology as well as as clinical research/trials. I live in Anne Arundel County MD and have applied to jobs in Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Glen Burnie, etc... If anyone has any suggestions or advice I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

+ Add a Comment