American’s Got Nurses Interview Article – Research Nurse

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Of the many specialty areas a potential nurse may choose as a possible career path, one choice stands out just a little different from the rest. The role of a research nurse is one that is filled with the organization and implementation of various clinical research projects involving diagnoses, care, and treatment of various illnesses and injuries. The results of these research projects could impact the future care and treatment of a number of patients rather than the one-on-one patient experience most nurses face on a daily basis and must be done with extreme care and attention to detail.

Research nurses must possess a strong passion for accurately compiling data at all levels. This kind of work can have far reaching consequences, if done correctly and in order to get the most out of any project, it is up to the research nurses involved to make sure the data collected is done properly. Because of the nature of the work involved, it is imperative that anyone thinking of becoming a research nurse takes the time to fully understand what is involved and if the job is a good personal fit.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Research Nurse

The daily life of a research nurse can be filled with a complex mixture of data collection, processing, and other aspects of research planning and implementation. Listed below are just a few of the general job duties assigned to an experienced research nurse.

•Protocol Development
•Informed Consent Implementation
•Acquiring Study Approvals
•Patient Recruitment
•Data Collection and Safety Reporting
•Tissue and Sample Collection and Processing
•Compile Clinical Data and Enter it Into a Database
•Review and Assess Data Collected
•Collaborate with Investigators and Statistical Consultants
•Screen and Recruit Subjects for Clinical Studies
•Assist with Surgical Procedures as Needed

Educational Requirements

A research nurse, like most other nursing specialties, has to first complete an RN (Registered Nurse) program, along with gaining a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree. The educational requirements of a research nurse include coursework in data collection and management, clinical research methods, and more. Once a degree has been obtained, a research-nursing candidate must acquire licensure for their state of residence.

Work Environment

The work environment for a research nurse is generally clinical in a hospital, school, or other clinical setting. Salary and job outlook are both promising with a median salary of $67,930 and there is an expected growth rate of 26% over the next few years. Research nurses are expected to work in an environment that promotes an extreme attention to detail, along with a strong work ethic and ability to meet deadlines.

What it’s like to be a Research Nurse

According to an online interview by Johnson & Johnson with oncology nurse, Tanisha – working as an oncology nurse is never routine. She goes on to state, “The satisfaction of being an oncology nurse is the satisfaction of being there when you’re needed.” Oncology nurses are there for patients when things are at their worst. A compassionate, professional nurse can make all the difference between a tolerable clinical experience and one that is scary, uncomfortable, and unpleasant overall. Being there for those in need makes working as an oncology nurse rewarding and challenging at the same time.