Productivity of nurse researchers employed in clinical settings

Nurse researchers in children's hospitals

Little is known about the role of nurse researchers (NRs) and the structure of nursing research programs in children's hospitals in the United States. This descriptive study obtained survey data from 33 NRs. Data suggest that the NR role is emerging and has both commonalities and unique components when compared with the previous studies of NRs in adult hospitals. Most participants have been in their position for less than 4 years. Conducting research, having staff development related to research, and facilitating evidence-based practice or research were common responsibilities. The structure of nursing research programs impacts both the NRs and the program outcomes.

Roles and responsibilities of clinical nurse researchers

A follow-up survey of 142 nurse researchers employed in clinical settings (NRECS) was conducted 10 years after the first one conducted by Knafl, Bevis, and Kirchhoff in which only 34 individuals qualified for inclusion. An 80-item questionnaire included items about the structure of the position, processes used, variables that may influence outcomes, and outside activities. When ineligible persons were excluded, the response rate was 75 per cent. Most commonly NRECS had positions in clinical settings only (55.7 per cent), offices (75.5 per cent), some staff (72.6 per cent), and secretarial support (52.8 per cent), and they usually reported to the chief nurse executives (71.7 per cent). Although the majority of NRECS reported responsibility for research activities, the average time spent on research is only 50 per cent. Most (82 per cent) have a nursing research committee, but NRECS also sit on other research-related committees in the department or hospital. Details about salary, responsibilities, and processes will be helpful to those preparing themselves or others for this role, for those who wish to start such a position for themselves or another, or for those in the role wanting to know how other NRECS perform.