RESEARCH NURSE

Nursing research1 is the term used to describe the evidence used to

support nursing practice. Nursing, as evidence based area of practice, has
been developing since the time of Florence Nightingale to the present day,
where many nurses now work as researchers based in universities as well as
in the health care setting.

Nurse education places emphasis upon the use of evidence from

research in order to rationalize nursing interventions. In England and Wales
courts may determine whether or not a nurse acted reasonably based upon
whether or not their intervention was supported by research.

Nursing research falls largely into two areas:

• Quantitative research is based in the paradigm of logical positivism

and is focused upon outcomes for clients that are measurable,
generally using statistics. The dominant research method is the
randomized controlled trial.
• Qualitative research, is based in the paradigm of phenomenology,
grounded theory, ethnography and others, and examines the
experience of those receiving or delivering the nursing care, focusing,
in particular, on the meaning that it holds for the individual. The
research methods most commonly used are interviews, case studies,
focus groups and ethnography

Recently in the UK, action research has become increasingly popular in nursing.

MEANING OF RESEARCH NURSE

Research Nurse works side-by-side with licensed physicians and

medical personnel in the areas of pharmaceutical, medical and nursing
research.
Nurses in this field improve patient care by translating research
findings into practice innovations at the bedside. They are responsible for
conducting research, analyzing data, solving clinical problems, writing
grants, and sharing their findings with the larger healthcare community.
In order to gain Research Nurse Certification and become a clinical
research assistant, research nurse, clinical data coordinator or medical
research assistant, individuals must first complete a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN) program. Some Research Nurse Certification programs
require that applicants complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as
well before enrolling. Research Nurse Certification programs are designed for
nurses who wish to further their medical knowledge and research skills in
order to assist in the coordination of clinical research studies. Another
certificate program that is related to the field of research nursing is a
certificate program in clinical research, which also prepares individuals for
work in the field of clinical trials and medical research.2
1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing_research
2
http://education-portal.com/research_nurse_certification.html

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Nurse will assist with the coordination and conduct of
research studies and ensure that good Clinical Research Practice Guidelines
are adhered to.

Responsibilities will include identifying and recruiting study subjects,

arranging screening visits and research studies, assistance with
instrumentation set-up and blood sampling

Data collection, data entry and management of electronic databases and

maintain clinical research data in accordance with the good Clinical Practice
Guidelines and to the satisfaction of external audit committees.

Conduct all activities in a manner consistent with Occupation Health, Safety

and Welfare guidelines.

The Research Nurse will also comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair
Information Practice, adopted by the Department of Human Services, which
regulate the collection, use, disclosure, storage and transfer of all personal
patient/client information within the Department and throughout its funded
service providers.

Typical Curriculum for a Research Nurse Certification Program

• Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

• Health Informatics
• Research for Evidence-Based Practice
• Professional Communication
• Responsible Literature Research
• Design of Clinical Trials
• Research Integrity
• Ethics for Advanced Practice Nursing

CRITERIA

Essential criteria

• A practicing certificate with the Nursing Board of South Australia.

• Demonstrated effective oral and interpersonal communication skills and
ability to write clear and accurate reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet work deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in a
professional manner.
• Awareness of research principles and strategies
• Critical analysis skills
• Demonstrated competence in the care and management of patients
• Ability to undertake blood collection and perform simple tests and test
procedures if relevant to the clinical trial
• Able to work with human body fluids if relevant to the clinical trial

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• Ability to speak and write English fluently
• A current driver’s license.

Desirable criteria

• Degree in health science, health information, nurse management, nursing

or similar
• Experience in conducting research or drug trials.
• Working knowledge of computers, particularly Excel spreadsheets and
Microsoft Word.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A RESEARCH NURSE

Advantages
• They can conduct any research according to health.

• They can solve clinical problems.

• They can analyze data of any dieses.

• They can translate research findings into practice innovation at the

bedside.

• They can share their findings with the larger healthcare community
that can result towards healthy living.

• They can organize patients for admission and treatment.

• They responsible for monitoring patient's status throughout the

study. Reviews and evaluates health status, lab findings and
reactions.
• Informs physicians regarding patient's response to treatment and/or
medications, adherence to protocol's schedule, need to reevaluate
treatment and specific medical concerns.
• Interacts with patients and families to ensure study compliance,
obtain information and provide emotional support.
• Manages data collection. Obtains, verifies, organizes, codes and enters
data. Completes forms and maintains files.
• Performs basic nursing procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs,
and other tests specific to the study.
• May administer treatments specific to the study.
• Assists in patient recruitment. Explains study to patients and
potential patients and verifies eligibility.
• Ensures that all applicable forms, consents and other required
paperwork are completed.
• Functions as liaison with patient's personal physician, other research
studies, affiliated hospitals and other medical personnel.
• Schedules tests and follows through on completion and return of
results.
• Collects and processes specimens for transport to laboratories.
• They can also perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

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Disadvantages
• Research Nurse bias can bias the design of a study.
• Researcher Nurse bias can enter into data collection.
• Sources or subjects may not all be equally credible.
• Some subjects may be previously influenced and affect the outcome of
the study.
• Background information may be missing.
• Study group may not be representative of the larger population.
• Analysis of observations can be biased.
• Any group that is studied is altered to some degree by the very
presence of the researcher. Therefore, any data collected is somewhat
skewed.
• It takes time to build trust with patient that facilitates full and honest
self-representation. Short term observational studies are at a
particular disadvantage where trust building is concerned.