What Is a Research Nurse and Where Do They Work?

If you're looking for a career that will not only provide steady work, but one that will allow you to help people and that will be fulfilling as well, then you might want to consider enrolling in an LPN-RN program in order to become a nurse. 

One of the benefits of becoming a nurse is that there will always be a demand for nurses throughout the medical field -- and there are many different types of nursing positions that you could secure depending on your particular interests. For example, one type of nursing job you could pursue with a degree from an LPN-RN program is that of a research nurse.

What is a research nurse?

The medical field is always advancing as current medications and treatments are improved and new medications and treatments are developed. Research nurses are nurses that provide valuable assistance in all areas of pharmaceutical and medical research. As far as what the responsibilities of a research nurse are, this depends on where they are employed. The following are just a few examples of the responsibilities that a research nurse might have:

Caring for patients - Research nurses may have to care for patients who are suffering from specific diseases and will have to observe and study them at the same time.

Organizing data - Research nurses are needed for clinical trials that are testing out new medications or treatment methods. Their responsibilities may include organizing documents or information, overseeing the trials or assisting the doctors or researchers in other ways.

Finding clinical trial subjects - Research nurses may be required to locate and assess suitable subjects for clinical trials, requiring them to examine the medical histories and personal health of potential subjects. They may have to choose the subjects for the trial based on this examination.

Administering treatment - Research nurses will often be required to administer medications or other treatment procedures to subjects of a clinical trial. They will typically be responsible for monitoring the progress of the patient during a clinical trial as well, which generally includes documenting the side effects of the subject, the drug interactions and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Writing grants - Research nurses working at universities or for research organizations may be required to write grants on behalf of senior researchers.

When it comes down to it, the major responsibilities of a research nurse are to care for patients and to record data to be handed over to the researchers who are in charge. There are a variety of potential employers when it comes to becoming a research nurse. Some of the common organizations that employ research nurses include pharmaceutical companies, universities, government agencies, teaching hospitals, and research organizations.

Becoming a Research Nurse

When it comes to nursing positions, becoming a research nurse has a lot going for it. First of all, a research nurse enjoys the same benefits as the typical nurse, meaning that there's always a need for more nurses in the position, there are a variety of employment opportunities, and the job is extremely fulfilling since you can help people overcome sicknesses and injuries. Additionally, as a research nurse, you can be a part of medical breakthroughs that can save lives, which adds to the personal fulfillment that nursing tends to offer in general. Not to mention that research nurses often make between roughly $50,000 and $90,000 a year according to PayScale.

For more information about becoming enrolling in our LPN-RN program in order to pursue a career as a research nurse, be sure to contact us at Athena Career Academy today.