Nursing research involves clinical and laboratory studies related to healthcare practices. Nurses work alongside physicians and scientists to develop and test new theories in patient care, disease prevention, and management strategies. They specialize in researching disease prevention, physical injuries, psychoses, risky behaviors, and addictions. Nurses also identify ways to improve healthcare practices and advance cancer research, diagnostic testing, and women’s health. Extensive education and training are required, and there are opportunities for advancement in the field.
Nursing research refers to clinical and laboratory studies of a wide range of subjects related to health care practices. A research nurse typically works alongside physicians and scientists to develop and test new theories about patient care procedures, management strategies, and health education and disease prevention, among many other areas of study. Nurses often do highly specialized nursing research work where they carry out detailed investigations into a single problem such as administering cancer therapy, midwifery or pediatric care. Most nursing research jobs are found in hospitals, universities, and private scientific research laboratories.
Nurses usually specialize in researching different ways to prevent disease and epidemics. Professionals can analyze historical data and research a particular disease, learn the symptoms that accompany it, and study the various approaches to controlling and preventing it. Related nursing research works involve studying ways to treat and prevent different physical injuries, psychoses, risky behaviors and addictions.
Other research nurses try to identify ways to improve health care practices, such as doctor-patient relationships, primary care services, and patient education. Based on observations and literature reviews, practitioners often try to determine how best to prepare patients for tests, procedures, and surgeries. They can venture outside laboratories and hospitals to raise awareness and suggest new public policy.
Professional research nurses often study very specific conditions and treatment procedures. Individuals can focus on advancing cancer research, developing better diagnostic testing equipment, or creating educational resources. Many nurses specialize in women’s health, organizing information about pregnancy, childcare and conditions that afflict women. Other professionals create new approaches to pediatric care, occupational therapy and physical therapy, and elderly care.
Individuals who want to obtain nursing research jobs usually must complete extensive education and training requirements. Hopeful researchers are usually required to first earn registered nurse credentials by completing baccalaureate programs and passing national licensing exams. Most people choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in research nursing from accredited universities and gain clinical experience working in hospitals and physicians’ offices. Upon graduation, new research nurses are usually required to pass rigorous state or national exams and spend up to five years working as a fellow or intern at a research institution.
Generally, there are many opportunities for advancement in nursing research jobs. A nurse who has spent several years in the profession and has proven her ability to conduct significant research may be given the privilege of submitting new research proposals and leading a team of scientists on original projects. The ongoing work of research nurses in all specialties helps advance scientific and medical knowledge and provides individuals with high-quality health care.
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