Clinical Research Nurse
Research is a large part of the medical field today. Researchers are constantly attempting to find ways to cure or treat diseases and conditions that were previously deemed incurable. Research is prevalent in all types of diseases from the common cold to Alzheimer’s disease. When the researcher goes to put their research into motion, they rely on the doctors and other medical personnel to administer the research protocols, commonly referred to as clinical trials. The clinical trial must be administered by professionals who know about the ins and outs of the trial and the proper way to administer it. This is routinely done in various research facilities such as large teaching hospitals. The specialty of clinical research nursing is becoming one of the top nursing careers today.
Duties of a clinical research nurse
The main duty of the clinical research nurse consists of administering care from the clinical trial to the patient. If the patient is admitted to the hospital, the nurse will provide care to the patient and keep a close watch on vital signs they do not have a negative reaction to the clinical trial care. They will also check symptoms to determine if the trial is working. If the trial is administered in an office setting, the clinical research nurse will keep the patient in the office for a period of time to ensure they do not have a reaction. In addition, this type of nurse will also provide statistics that pertain to the patient, the condition they have and the care they are given. The nurse will also schedule follow-up appointments.
Training required for clinical research nurses
The required training to become a clinical research nurse is the same as any other nurse and a bachelor’s degree is typically the preferred degree in this field. When the nurse completes the degree program, they are qualified to work in the research field where they may get additional training. This continuing education will provide the research nurse with additional information as to the latest developments in clinical research and can eventually lead to certification in the research specialty. If continuing education is not offered through an employer, the nurse may also choose to use their bachelor’s degree to enter into a master’s program with a concentration in clinical research. This graduate degree will provide the nurse with additional possibilities in the future for a higher salary as well as additional career advancements.
The clinical research nurse provides a much-needed service to patients who are desperate to have their disease treated or even cured. The field of research gives patients hope. The hope that these patients gain through research will provide them with a better quality of life. Patients who do not have that hope are more likely to give up; therefore, the job of those who participate in clinical research are desperately needed where they can help those who may have lost hope for the future.