Nursing research 

is the term used to describe the evidence used to

support nursing practice. Nursing, as an evidence based area of practice, has
been developing since the time ofFlorence 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 rationalise 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 randomised 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

A nurse researcher assists with collecting data in the field of health and
medical care. The nurse may review the data and provide information on
the results. The researcher plays a significant role in helping doctors and
scientists understand the complications of medical conditions.

Many different places utilize nurse researchers. Some schools may use a
researcher as a nurse educator. Other facilities may have a need for someone to
perform clinical trials. Many hospitals and scientific companies also use nurse
researchers, sometimes to conduct experiments in a laboratory-type setting.
Some researchers may find themselves analyzing medical data for companies.

A nurse researcher may assist other researchers in a mental health facility.

Facilities like this typically have several researchers work on large group studies.
The nurse in this setting may help determine the effects of medications on
patients with psychological conditions.
 Other qualifications a nurse researcher may need are the ability to think
fast and to be able to do several things at once. This position might also
entail the researcher to work close with faculty, doctors, and staff. Being
able to work well with others would be a valued skill.

How to Become a Nurse

Researcher

The nursing field is very complex and extensive research activities are
required to improve practices. Nurse researchers are registered nurses
that participate in a variety of research tasks to gain a better
understanding on medical conditions and to seek ways to improve
patient health, medical services, and healthcare outcomes.

What does a nurse researcher do?

Nurse researchers identify specific research inquiries, design and
conduct research activities, and analyze and translate the findings to
implement new practices. They publish research studies based on
collected data on a variety of nursing, medical, and pharmaceutical
practices. They assist with finding solutions to clinical programs and
delivering healthcare services in a more efficient and effective manner.
They also help with writing medical articles and grant proposals. Nurse
researchers are responsible for sharing their research findings with the
healthcare community. Many nurse researchers collaborate with
professionals from other fields to better address complex issues. Some
nurse researchers teach in clinical and academic settings.

What kind of training does a nurse researcher

need?
Nurse researchers typically need at least a Bachelor of Science degree
in nursing and a current registered nurse license. Some employers
prefer applicants with at least a Master of Science in Nursing and
sufficient experience. Many nurse researchers complete Research
Nurse certification programs. The certification programs typically
include courses in health informatics, research integrity, descriptive
and inferential statistics, research for evidence-based practice, and
ethics for advanced practice nursing. Most nurse researchers gain the
Research Nurse certification from the Society of Research Associates.
All registered nurses must become licensed by passing the National
Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Nurse researchers must
complete regular continuing education to maintain their licenses and
certifications and keep up with advancements in the field.

What are the prospects for a career as a nurse

researcher?
Employment of all registered nurses is expected to grow much faster
than average for all professions, increasing 23% from 2006 to 2016
(1). Technological advances and increased demand for advanced
research will drive job growth of nurse researchers.

Job prospects are expected to be excellent especially for nurse

researchers with professional certification and extensive experience.
Numerous job openings will stem from the need to replace nurse
researchers that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.

Being a research nurse is a very rewarding medical career because this allows a person
to get involved in the improvement of the nursing field. Naturally, a strong educational
background is essential if you want to become a nurse researcher. 

http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/how-to-become-a-nurse-researcher.html
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-a-nurse-researcher-do.htm