How to Become a Nurse Researcher in 5 Steps

• Do you have a passion for making change through research?
• Although the road to becoming a nurse researcher is long, it is an essential role in the advancement of healthcare delivery!
• Keep reading to view our 5-step guide on how to become a nurse researcher!

What is a Nurse Researcher?

A nurse researcher is a doctorate-level provider who conducts, analyzes, and reports data at the nursing level within a facility. Typically, these professionals either possess a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. in nursing.  

Although it is a very niche group within the healthcare field, they are an asset to the global nursing industry. 

But the question is, what do they study? 

Nurse researchers have many opportunities to specialize in whatever they choose, however, in most instances, they evaluate data from diseases, illnesses, and various medications.  

Of course, this is not always the case. 

Nurse researchers may also observe bedside procedures and report findings to their superiors in order to improve processes.  

Become a Nurse Researcher in 5 Steps

1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

As with most careers in nursing, this is usually the first step. This is a four-year time commitment, but it is well worth it in the long run!  

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination

This is a huge step for new BSN graduates, and usually, the most terrifying. However, don’t stress, there are plenty of educational resources available to help you prepare! 

3. Gain clinical experience, or begin furthering your education

To become a nurse researcher, education is the key. One will need to obtain a Master’s level degree in nursing (MSN). This is dependent on the program that you choose, however, there may be opportunities for you to specialize! From there, we are sure you can guess what comes next… 

4. Earn a DNP or Ph.D. in Nursing

So many years of education have finally gotten you to this point, and you are almost at the finish line of becoming a nurse researcher! While completing your doctorate-level education, you will have the opportunity to specialize in whatever field you are passionate about – this will help you to determine where you would like to focus your research. 

5. Begin your career as a nurse researcher

Congratulations! You have made it, and now you have to the autonomy to choose where you go and what you will focus on. Although the road was long, and not always the easiest, you persevered and it has paid off – seriously, check it out! 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average national salary for a nurse researcher is $81,501! 

What is the Importance of a Nurse Researcher?

Rather than listing all of the reasons as to why nursing research is essential in the advancement of healthcare systems, here are several notable advances from the National Institute of Nursing Research:

Highlights key operational issues within healthcare facilities

“Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study“

Improves nursing education, further improving patient education at the bedside

“Promoting healthy lifestyles in high school adolescents: a randomized controlled trial“

Discontinues processes or treatments that are ineffective

“Safety and benefit of discontinuing statin therapy in the setting of advanced, life-limiting illness: a randomized clinical trial“

Of course, these are only a few examples of the impactful change that can come from nursing research. If there is a field that you are passionate about, we strongly encourage you to push through the many years of education that it takes to become a nurse researcher – it truly might make a difference one day!  

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