Nurse Researcher Career Overview
Nurse researcher positions involve creating and implementing research studies, using either new data they generate or existing research.
The following outlines the responsibilities of nurse researchers. These roles provide an excellent avenue for nurses who enjoy analyzing information and making new discoveries. Nurse researchers contribute to the knowledge base in nursing and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes.
How long does it take?
6-7 years
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Job outlook
6% growth from 2019-2029
Average earning potential
$81,500
Source: PayScale
What Does a Nurse Researcher Do?
MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. required
Certification optional
Key Duties
1. Formulating studies for nursing research
2. Executing research procedures
3. Recording measures to ensure the well-being of human or animal participants in the research
4. Disseminating discoveries through peer-reviewed journals or books
5. Delivering presentations at conferences
6. Staying current with advancements in professional literature
Career Traits
- Strengths in analysis, observation, and written communication
- Ethical in publishing studies and treating human or animal subjects
Where Do Nurse Researchers Work?
Nurse researchers work in academic medical centers, government agencies, and other healthcare providers.
- Academic Medical Centers:
Conduct research, publish results, and teach students. - Government Agencies:
Perform research and share findings. - Publishers:
Select articles for publication, review methodology and validity, and edit articles.
Why Should I Become a Nurse Researcher?
Research nurse jobs contribute to professional knowledge, aiding nurses in their work with evidence-based research and improving healthcare outcomes. Nursing research involves less physical demand than clinical nursing and offers more predictable schedules. However, nurse research jobs generally pay less than clinical nursing roles.
Advantages To Becoming a Nurse Researcher
– Contribute to professional knowledge.
– Important findings can change how nurses work and improve healthcare.
– Less physically demanding and more predictable schedules than clinical care.
Disadvantages To Becoming a Nurse Researcher
– “Publish-or-perish” culture in academia.
– Some may find work less fulfilling without direct patient interaction.
– Requires time and financial investment in a master’s or doctorate.
– Salaries are typically lower than clinical nurse practitioner salaries.
How To Become a Nurse Researcher
To become a nurse researcher, one must develop expertise in research methodology, informatics, statistics, and nursing practice.
1. Graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN):
While a nurse can initiate practice with just an ADN, master’s-level nursing programs typically necessitate a BSN. Aspiring nurse researchers may plan to obtain a BSN directly or as part of a master of science in nursing (MSN) bridge program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive registered nurse (RN) licensure:
The National Council Licensure Examination for RNs is a national test covering various aspects, including conditions and treatment, nursing practice, patients’ psychological needs, and ethics/legal issues.
3. Begin research:
After obtaining RN licensure, nurses can engage in research activities, often by assisting nurse researchers or other research professionals.
4. Apply to an accredited MSN, doctor of nursing practice (DNP), or doctor of philosophy in nursing (Ph.D.) program: Most MSN and doctoral programs require at least two years of RN experience. Some programs offer bridge options for RNs without BSNs.
5. Earn an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D.:
Some employers, particularly academic medical centers, may prefer or require a Ph.D. or DNP, while others may accept an MSN.
6. Apply for certification:
Although not mandatory, certification adds value. Most certifications necessitate active research experience. Options include clinical research associate, clinical research coordinator, certified professional (through The Association of Clinical Research Professionals), certified research nurse, and certified clinical research professional.
How Much Do Nurse Researchers Make?
The annual median salary for a research nurse is $81,500. Generally, nurse researchers holding doctoral degrees earn higher salaries than those with master’s-level education. Some research nurse professionals in academia may qualify for tenure. In general, clinical research associates earn a median salary of $66,930, while certified clinical research professionals earn an average salary of $72,430. However, nurse researchers with these certifications typically earn above the average or median for these positions due to the RN credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse researcher?
Nurse researcher careers require a significant time investment, taking at least six years for an MSN and seven years for a doctorate. Most programs also require at least two years of RN experience.
Why is nursing research important?
Nursing research identifies effective nursing approaches, enhancing outcomes for nurses, patients, and healthcare organizations. It builds the knowledge base for nurse education.
What are some examples of responsibilities nurse researchers may have?
Professional responsibilities include protecting human or animal subjects in their research, designing studies for valid results, accurately reporting results, and sharing findings through publishing.
What opportunities for advancement are available to nurse researchers?
Research nurse jobs offer advancement opportunities in academia or research, such as becoming a primary investigator on studies of increasing importance, advancing in administration, or receiving tenure.
Resources for Nurse Researchers
International Association of Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN):
IACRN improves nursing research, supports nurse researchers, and offers professional development. It grants board certification to clinical research nurses by portfolio. Research nurses can be full members and RNs or equivalent who are not active researchers can become associate members.
National Institute of Nursing Research:
This U.S. government agency, part of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research, offers training in research methodologies, and provides significant funding for nursing research.
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP):
ACRP is a prominent certifying organization for clinical researchers. It offers educational resources, networking opportunities, a job board, and has around 13,000 nurse researcher and other clinical researcher members globally.
Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA):
SOCRA provides educational and professional development opportunities, publishes a journal, offers certification for clinical research professionals, features a job board with nursing research listings, and hosts networking events. Membership is open to all clinical researchers.
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