Starting nursing research requires experience and a clear research topic. Joining organizations like NINR can help with collaboration and funding. Researching the topic and obtaining funding through grants are crucial steps. Networking with local groups and utilizing resources like NINR can also be helpful.
Starting nursing research can initially seem like a daunting task, but there are several resources available to help. Before attempting nursing research, it is ideal to have at least two to five years of experience as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. To build a strong research foundation, it’s best to contact an organization like the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR). Joining an organization will make collaborating and sharing information much easier and can also serve as a resource for project funding. To successfully enter the field of research, it will be necessary to develop a clear research topic and obtain funding for the research project.
The first step in starting nursing research is to identify a topic or issue of clinical importance. A project tends to be more successful if the researcher has dedication or personal interest in the research topic – carrying out a research project requires persistence and focus. Many nurses develop ideas for clinical research as a result of seeing patterns in patient care issues.
Once a research objective has been identified, personal research on the subject can be undertaken. It’s good to start by checking with universities, hospitals or other research agencies to see if identical research has been conducted. If similar research is being conducted, it might be a good idea to contact the lead researcher for collaboration and information sharing. Networking is an important component of nursing research; therefore, developing ties with those who share similar interests can be very beneficial when conducting multiple trials.
Be prepared to invest a lot of time reading, writing, and talking about the project. Background research and a broad knowledge of the research topic can play an essential role in gaining support and funding. Identifying a specific research question may be the most important part of the nursing research process.
Obtaining funding is the next hurdle to face when trying to start a nursing research project. A project’s ability to obtain funding often depends on the nurse’s ability to present the topic clearly, concisely, and confidently. Know as much as you can about the topic and all relevant past research, and be prepared to make the case.
There may be local resources or agencies available to support a smaller research project, but often funding is obtained by submitting a grant proposal. A well-written and researched grant proposal will open up many opportunities for support. Many nurses do not have experience writing grant proposals and may need to hire someone to help with the process. If funding is not available to hire a grant writer, there are courses and training sessions available that focus specifically on grant writing.
It may be beneficial to find a local networking group, such as a nursing research society or association. NINR can also be a beneficial resource when trying to obtain funding. The institute works to provide nurses with information on grants relevant to their area of research.
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