Careers
Nursing Research Career Guide
Nurse researchers design and run studies, working with new data they collect or existing research. The findings build the evidence base that improves how nurs…
specialty-guide
How long to become: 6-7 years Average annual salary: $81,500 Job outlook (2024-2034): 5% growth for all RNs Degree required: MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. Certification: Optional
What a Nurse Researcher Does
Nurse researchers design and run studies, working with new data they collect or existing research. The findings build the evidence base that improves how nurses practice and how patients fare. Core responsibilities:
- Designing research studies
- Carrying out research
- Protecting human and animal subjects
- Publishing in peer-reviewed journals and books
- Presenting at conferences
- Keeping up with the professional literature
The work rewards strong analysis, observation, and writing, along with a firm grip on research ethics.
Where Nurse Researchers Work
- Academic medical centers: Conduct research, publish results, and teach undergraduate or graduate students.
- Government agencies: Perform research and share findings internally and externally.
- Publishers: Select articles, review methodology and validity, and edit in collaboration with authors.
Why Become a Nurse Researcher
Research adds to professional knowledge and gives nurses the evidence to do their jobs better. It is less physically demanding than clinical nursing and offers more predictable schedules. The tradeoff: it usually pays less than direct clinical roles.
Advantages:
- You contribute to the profession's knowledge base
- Important findings can change practice and improve care
- Less physical strain and steadier hours than bedside work
Disadvantages:
- The "publish-or-perish" pressure of academia
- Less direct patient contact, which some nurses miss
- A real time and money investment in a master's or doctorate
- Lower pay than clinical nurse practitioner roles
How To Become a Nurse Researcher
The role takes skills in research methodology, informatics, statistics, and nursing itself.
1. Earn a BSN or ADN
You can start practicing with an ADN, but master's programs require a BSN. Plan to earn one directly or through a master of science in nursing (MSN) bridge program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
The national licensure exam covers conditions and treatment, nursing practice, patients' psychological needs, and ethics and legal issues.
3. Begin Research
After licensure, get involved by assisting nurse researchers or other research professionals.
4. Apply to a Graduate Program
Most MSN and doctoral programs require at least two years of RN experience. Some offer bridges for RNs without a BSN.
5. Earn an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D.
Academic medical centers often require or prefer a Ph.D. or DNP. Other employers accept an MSN.
6. Apply for Certification
Certification is optional but valuable, and most options require active research experience. They include clinical research associate, clinical research coordinator, certified research nurse, and certified clinical research professional.
How Much Nurse Researchers Make
The median nurse researcher salary is $81,500 a year. Doctoral-prepared researchers generally earn more than master's-prepared ones, and some in academia qualify for tenure. For comparison, clinical research associates earn a median of $78,344 and certified clinical research professionals average $83,000. The RN credential tends to push nurse researchers above those benchmarks.
Resources
- International Association of Clinical Research Nurses: Advances nursing research, supports researchers, and grants board certification to clinical research nurses by portfolio.
- National Institute of Nursing Research: Part of the NIH, conducts and funds research and offers training in research methods.
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals: A leading certifying body with educational resources, networking, and a job board, with roughly 13,000 members worldwide.
- Society of Clinical Research Associates: Offers professional development, certification, a journal, and a job board open to all clinical researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take? At least six years for an MSN and seven for a doctorate, plus the two years of RN experience most programs require.
What does nursing research do? It identifies the most effective nursing approaches and improves outcomes for nurses, patients, and organizations, building the body of knowledge that drives education.
What are a researcher's responsibilities? Protecting research subjects, designing studies that produce valid results, reporting accurately, and sharing findings through publication.
Is there room to advance? Yes. You can become principal investigator on larger studies, move into administration, or earn tenure as a professor.