A nurse researcher designs and conducts investigations to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. Nurse researchers can work directly with patients by screening and enrolling research participants, collecting research data, and providing nursing care according to clinical trial protocols. Nurses, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and other healthcare providers work as medical research teams. Nursing research requires strong teamwork skills, great attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings and meet regulatory requirements.
What Does a Nurse Researcher Do?
Depending on their education level, nurse researchers may lead their own studies, or they may complete tasks as part of a larger project or under the direction of a supervisor. The roles and responsibilities of nurse researchers can include:
Educating patients on what to expect during research
Collecting data from patients, such as medical histories
Collecting samples from patients, such as blood and urine
Monitoring patient vital signs and symptoms
Recording detailed patient data, including side effects
Administering medications
Conducting tests or specialized exams
Ensuring compliance with regulatory organizations
Summarizing data for presentation or publication
Applying for funding from grants or other institutions
It is crucial for nursing research to be conducted ethically. Research involving human participants should be approved by an institutional review board (IRB). IRBs are formal groups that register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and review research methods before, during, and after studies. A nurse researcher should be familiar with the IRB application process. Nurse researchers must also be able to accurately explain to patients and caregivers their rights and risks as they obtain informed consent. Results and adverse events are reported accurately and objectively following the approved protocol. Furthermore, nurse researchers may be expected to statistically analyze and interpret collected data. Nurse researchers often present the results of their research and defend their research methods and conclusions at professional meetings and research conferences. Nurse researchers may also be expected to publish research findings in a nursing, medical, or scientific peer-reviewed journal.
How Much Does a Nurse Researcher Make Per Year?
RNs in the U.S. earned a median hourly wage of $36.22 or $75,330 a year as of 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report data for each nursing specialty, but pay can be based on experience, employer, and location across all specialties. Nurse researchers are generally paid more in heavily-populated urban locations or in areas where healthcare access is very limited such as Alaska. RNs reported significant differences in pay based on location alone.
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (visited February 5, 2022).
Nurse researchers can also pursue further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). Nurse researchers who have obtained these degrees are the most qualified to conduct their own research and teach other RNs as well. Higher levels of education for nurse researchers generally lead to higher pay. Medical researchers, who typically have a Ph.D., reported an annual median pay of $91,510 per year.
Where and When Do Nurse Researchers Work?
Nurse researchers can work in nearly any healthcare institution. Nurses actively conducting research are found in hospitals, private clinics, outpatient centers, public health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and laboratories. Nurse researchers typically work business hours Monday through Friday. However, some projects may require meeting with patients on weekends or holidays. Nurses who supervise research projects have the greatest control over their schedules as they may delegate some responsibilities to team members. While nurse researchers can work directly with patients for enrollment and data collection, they will also spend a significant amount of time collating and analyzing data. Nurse researchers often have office space to allow for focused time on data entry and analysis within a computer program. Digital form creation and completion (for research approval, data collection, funding applications, and more) is also a significant responsibility.
Some nurse researchers may design and conduct projects within one hospital where they work. Other nurses may conduct research across a system of hospitals or clinics in order to collect more patient information. And some nurse researchers, such as those working with pharmaceutical or medical device companies, may travel to enroll patients or share research results with caregivers in multiple healthcare systems.
How Do I Become A Nurse Researcher?
Nursing research offers multiple paths to advanced practice or leadership roles for experienced RNs. But first, you must complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred by most employers. BSN programs are usually four years in length, but can be as short as 18 months for qualified applicants. After graduation, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. The NCLEX is at least 75 questions long and computer-based. Upon passing the exam, you become an RN and can apply for licensure in the state where you wish to practice. State applications can vary, but all states require a background check.
Once established as a bedside nurse, an RN can immediately start participating in research by joining research committees and participating in ongoing research at their place of employment, such as infection rates for certain patients. Many employers incentivize research projects that are completed by RNs. For example, an RN could identify a recurring problem, design an intervention, educate coworkers on a new policy, and then collect data to measure the outcome of the intervention. Employers may offer higher pay or a bonus for research that results in improved health and safety for patients and caregivers.
To build a career focused on research, a nurse should seek further certification or education. The Society of Clinical Research Associates administers the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) exam. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals-Certified Professional (ACRP-CP) is another option for research certification. Eligibility for both is based on work experience or a combination of education and experience. Professional certification demonstrates a standardized level of knowledge to potential employers. Certified nurse researchers can earn higher wages and have more responsibility and independence in research initiatives.
Though not required, nurse researchers can pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). The DNP and Ph.D. options are considered terminal degrees, as there are no higher degrees awarded in nursing. Nurse researchers who wish to advance to leadership positions, develop their own research projects, increase their annual income, and/or teach student nurses should explore these opportunities.
What Are the Benefits of Being A Nurse Researcher?
Research nurses can explore a wide range of employment opportunities with many different patient populations. Enabling measurable improvements in patients’ health can be very professionally fulfilling. Nurse researchers will also encounter patients that don’t improve or projects that don’t perform as well as planned; these difficult circumstances can still improve healthcare, and nurse researchers are uniquely positioned to advocate for patients’ well-being throughout the research process. Opportunities for career advancement through education are varied and offer increased pay and autonomy for nurse researchers. At all education levels, nurse researchers are able to create measurable improvements in the lives of others.
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