Interested in Research? Here are the steps to follow
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Step One: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in NursingLA Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides comprehensive training that can form the basis for a career as a clinical research nurse (CRN). It takes approximately four years for a full-time student to complete a BSN program (Lobiondo-Wood & Haber, 2014)
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Step Two: Get Licensed |
After completing a state-approved nursing program, prospective CRNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Candidates register to take the exam through their provincial nursing board, which may impose additional eligibility guidelines.
Step 3: Obtain a Masters degree and most likely a PHD or DNP degree.
Graduate Degree: A MSN specialization may be obtained following graduation from a baccalaureate degree program and at least one year of 1000 hours of experience as a registered nurse. During this time, additional training and hands on experience will be gained with more research-oriented courses being obtained.
Doctorate Degree: A Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Ph.D. in nursing are the final levels of education to be obtained for a nurse researcher. A Ph.D. student may gain paid experience and earn additional educational experience while completing the degree. This degree may take an additional 1-3 years after the completion of a graduate level program depending on which doctorate level degree is selected and the specifications of the course work (Lobiondo-Wood & Haber, 2014)
Doctorate Degree: A Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Ph.D. in nursing are the final levels of education to be obtained for a nurse researcher. A Ph.D. student may gain paid experience and earn additional educational experience while completing the degree. This degree may take an additional 1-3 years after the completion of a graduate level program depending on which doctorate level degree is selected and the specifications of the course work (Lobiondo-Wood & Haber, 2014)
Step 4: Gain Work Experience
Clinical research nurse opportunities require experience in addition to a nursing degree, and some opportunities require experience in a particular specialty such as oncology. Some research facilities and hospitals offer internship programs for nurses who want to concentrate in research and learn advanced technical skills.
Step 5: Get Certified
The Society of Clinical Research Associates offers a voluntary Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) credential applicable to clinical research nurses. Those with a nursing degree can take the exam after two years of clinical experience. The certification provides evidence of advanced knowledge specific to research, such as informed consent, governing laws and study design. CRNs may also need certification in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Step 6: Keep Licensure and Certification Current
Licenses must be renewed periodically, which can require evidence of continuing education. The CCRP credential requires recertification every three years, which also means completing continuing education credits. Often certified nurse specialists must earn graduate degrees for advancement to higher positions in the field. Advancement opportunities increase with experience, education and certification.
Nursing Research Career Progression PathwayClinical research nurses are an essential component of the intramural clinical research program. The career path for Clinical Research Nurses includes a core component of advancement in research skills and supports graduate and post-graduate training. Research training for nurses, like its medical counterpart, is integrated into specialty practice training and supports progression through increasingly complex levels of clinical practice and research involvement. Nurses with advanced academic training and clinical practice experience serve in different capacities. Clinical Nurse Specialists support the development of specialty practice and improvement of patient outcomes in all our practice areas. Advanced practice nurses, including nurse consultants and nurse educators work in a variety of inpatient and ambulatory care settings. They collaborate with research teams to provide continuity of care for patients enrolled in clinical trials.
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