Nurses assist in research areas of clinical importance to patients.
Getting started in nursing research may initially seem like a daunting task, but there are a number of resources available to help. Before beginning nursing research, it is ideal to have at least two to five years of experience as a registered nurse or nurse. To build a solid research base, it’s best to contact an organization like the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). Joining an organization will make collaboration and information sharing much easier and can also serve as a resource for funding projects. To successfully enter the field of research, it will be necessary to develop a clear research topic and be able to obtain funding for the research project.
Research nurses work closely with physicians and other medical scientists in the field.
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 a personal commitment or 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 observing patterns in patient care issues.
In general, two to five years of nursing experience is ideal before beginning nursing research.
Once a research objective has been identified, personal research on the topic can be conducted. It is good to start by checking with universities, hospitals, or other research agencies to see if similar research has been done. If similar research is going on, it may be a good idea to contact the principal investigator to collaborate and exchange information. Networking is an important component of nursing research, so developing links with those who share similar interests can be very beneficial when conducting multiple trials.
Many nurses develop ideas for clinical research as a result of observing patterns in patient care issues.
Be prepared to spend a lot of time reading, writing, and talking about the project. Background research and extensive knowledge of the research topic can play an essential role in securing 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 overcome when trying to start a nursing research project. The ability of a project to obtain funding often depends on the nurse’s ability to present the topic clearly, concisely and confidently. Learn as much as possible about the topic and all relevant previous research, and be prepared to defend the idea.
Some research nurses work in academic settings, such as teaching hospitals and nursing schools.
There may be local resources or agencies available to support a smaller research project, but funding is often obtained by providing a funding proposal. A well-written and researched funding proposal will open up many opportunities for support. Many nurses do not have experience writing funding proposals and may need to hire someone to help them through the process. If funds are 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 it comes to obtaining financing. The institute works to provide nurses with financial information relevant to their area of research.