Becoming a Nurse Researcher
Nurse Researchers are scientists who study health conditions, illness and health care and then find ways to improve the conditions by designing and implementing scientific studies. They also identify research questions and collect relevant data to support their findings. Some Nurse Researchers also teach in academic and clinical settings and write articles and research reports for nursing, medical and other journals and publications.
In general, Nurse Researchers begin their career as Research Assistants, Clinical Data Coordinators etc. They grow with experience and time. They often work with Scientists in fields such as Pharmacy, Nutrition and Medicine. Their key tasks include:
- Delivering healthcare services effectively and efficiently
- Improving quality of life for patients suffering from chronic illness
- Encouraging patients to choose health habits
- Ensuring patient safety and preventing injury and illness
- Providing care and comfort to patients
Working Conditions: Nurse Researchers generally get employment at universities, healthcare facilities, research labs, nonprofit organizations etc. They must have good skills in writing and preparing reports.
Education Requirements:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: The Nurse Researcher aspirants must go for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, which is the entry-level platform for them. It takes around four years to complete a BSN program. The students must learn various critical subjects during that period, including academic learning and clinical experience.
- Licensing: After completing the nursing programs, prospective Nurse Researchers must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), as many states require a licensure while recruiting them.
Salary & Job Outlook: Employment prospects for Nurse Researchers remain bright and may grow by 23% by 2016. The average salary of a Nurse Researcher is $95,000 per year.