Starting nursing research requires experience and a clear research topic. Joining an organization like the National Institute of Nursing Research can help with collaboration and funding. Identifying a topic of clinical importance and networking with similar interests is crucial. Funding can be obtained through grant proposals or local resources. The NINR can also provide information on relevant grant funding.
Getting started in nursing research may seem like a daunting task at first, but there are several resources available to help you. Before attempting nursing research, it is ideal to have at least 2-5 years experience as a nurse or registered nurse practitioner. In order to build a strong research foundation, it is best to contact an organization such as the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). Joining an organization will make collaborating and sharing information much easier, and could also serve as a resource for funding projects. To successfully enter the field of research, you will need to develop a clear research topic and be able to secure funding for your research project.
The first step in beginning 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: pursuing 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 you have identified a research objective, you can conduct your own research on the topic. It’s good to start by checking with universities, hospitals, or other research agencies to see if any identical research has been conducted. If similar research is underway, it may be a good idea to contact the lead researcher for collaboration and information sharing. Networking is an important component of nursing research, so developing bonds with those who share similar interests can prove very helpful when conducting various studies.
Be prepared to spend a lot of time reading, writing and talking about the project. Basic research and broad knowledge of the research topic can play an essential role in obtaining support and funding. Identifying a specific research question can be the most important part of the nursing research process.
Getting funding is the next hurdle to jump 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 possible about the topic and any relevant past research and be prepared to defend the idea.
There may be local resources or agencies available to support a smaller research project, but funding is often obtained by providing a grant proposal. A well-written and researched grant proposal will open up many opportunities for support. Many nurses are inexperienced with writing grant proposals and may need to hire someone to assist them in 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 helpful to find a local networking group, such as a nursing research company or charity. The NINR can also be a useful resource when trying to secure funding. The institute works to provide nurses with information regarding grant funding relevant to their area of research.
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