Required Education
MSN or PhD
Attributes
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Research-oriented
Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
You’ll play a very important role in making new discoveries and developing new treatments that can help save peoples’ lives.
What you’ll do
Documentation
You’ll write research reports of your findings and articles for medical journals and other publications, and grant applications.
Observation
You’ll collect and analyze data and manage databases, patient care treatments, and procedures.
Presentation
You’ll present your research findings at conferences and other speaking engagements.
Where you’ll work
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Medical research organizations
- Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Universities
How to become a Research Nurse
01
Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
03
Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
04
While it’s not required, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) may be necessary for certain kinds of research.
05
You’re ready to work as a Research Nurse.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Research Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
By providing bedside care, nurses often have unique insights into the needs of specific patient populations.2017-11-28T05:00:00Z
An Occupational Health Nurse’s role is also independent.
A Military Nurse is another type of community nurse.
