Working Conditions
Nurse researchers may work in diverse healthcare settings, universities, research organizations, laboratories, and other settings. They may also be hired by private companies and nonprofit organizations focused on healthcare issues.
Because research studies are often individually funded projects, nurse researchers may move from project to project, working for a specific time period until the grant money ends. The nurse researcher must then seek other funded studies or employment opportunities.
The work of conducting research studies, especially collecting and tabulating data, can involve a lot of repetitive activity and rote data entry. But it can be exciting and rewarding to contribute to research that discovers a new way to improve health care delivery.
Nurse researchers must be skilled writers, to write competitive grant applications, report study results, and prepare journal articles. Dissemination of the findings and research methodology often requires presentations at conferences and meetings.
Outlook & Salary Range
The average salary for a nurse researcher is $95,000. In addition to research activities, nurse researchers with advanced degrees can supplement their income by writing books, teaching, consulting and professional speaking engagements.