The role of the nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in research is multifaceted. MSN prepared nurses have advanced knowledge and skills that enable them to understand, participate in, lead, and translate research to improve patient care and health outcomes. Some key roles and responsibilities include:
Conducting Research
MSN nurses are equipped to take on primary investigator roles and lead research studies. Their graduate level coursework provides training in research methods, statistics, study design, and interpreting findings. MSN nurses can:
– Identify knowledge gaps and clinical problems that warrant investigation
– Formulate meaningful research questions and hypotheses
– Design quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies
– Obtain institutional review board (IRB) approval
– Recruit samples and collect data
– Analyze results using statistical software
– Interpret findings and draw conclusions
– Disseminate results through presentations and publications
Participating in Collaborative Research
In addition to leading studies, MSN nurses commonly collaborate on research teams. They provide valuable clinical perspectives and expertise. Potential roles include:
– Serving as a co-investigator under the guidance of a primary investigator
– Recruiting study participants from patient populations
– Collecting data through interviews, surveys, or clinical exams
– Providing input on the clinical significance of findings
– Helping translate results into practice recommendations
Appraising and Applying Evidence
MSN nurses learn how to critically evaluate existing research. This enables them to determine the merits, generalizability, and applicability of study findings. Key skills include:
– Assessing the soundness of research methods and potential sources of bias
– Interpreting statistical analyses and results
– Evaluating generalizability and applicability to different practice settings and patient populations
– Synthesizing findings from multiple studies through systematic reviews
– Applying the best current evidence to clinical decisions and practice changes
Improving Quality and Safety Through Research
MSN nurses utilize research to enhance nursing care and improve health outcomes at organizational and systems levels. Activities may include:
– Leading evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives
– Developing policies, procedures, and clinical pathways informed by evidence
– Evaluating the impacts of practice changes using outcomes data
– Identifying safety risks that require further investigation
– Conducting quality improvement studies to systematically test changes
Advancing the Science of Nursing
Through research, MSN nurses can expand the professional body of nursing knowledge. Examples include:
– Generating new models and theories about nursing phenomena
– Developing or testing innovative nursing interventions
– Exploring best practices to enhance patient care delivery
– Elucidating the mechanisms through which nursing care influences outcomes
– Discovering new knowledge about health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention
Disseminating Findings
Sharing research helps move nursing practice forward. MSN nurses disseminate knowledge by:
– Publishing in scholarly journals
– Presenting at conferences
– Leading in-services on evidence to inform hospital practices
– Advocating for policy changes based on findings
– Educating students, staff, patients, and the public through teaching
Key Skills and Qualifications
MSN nurses interested in research require certain knowledge and competencies:
– Strong clinical background in a specialty area like adult health, pediatrics, mental health, etc.
– Coursework in research design, methods, statistics, ethical conduct
– Knowledge of the research process and Institutional Review Boards
– Quantitative data analysis and interpretation skills
– Qualitative data collection and analysis techniques
– Appraising and synthesizing scientific literature
– Writing skills to disseminate findings in manuscripts and presentations
– Project management and leadership abilities
– Interpersonal skills to lead teams and engage stakeholders
– Passion for building nursing science and evidence
Challenges and Strategies in Nursing Research
MSN nurses may face obstacles when conducting and applying research:
Limited Time
Heavy patient loads and responsibilities limit time for research. Strategies include:
– Obtaining protected non-clinical time through research fellowships or support from nursing leadership
– Collaborating so workload is shared across a team
– Using efficient designs like quality improvement projects
Insufficient Knowledge and Experience
Less experience can make designing and conducting rigorous studies more difficult. Ways to improve include:
– Taking research methods coursework
– Getting mentored by experienced researchers
– Starting small with pilot projects and progressing to larger studies
– Collaborating with expert team members to fill knowledge gaps
Inadequate Resources and Support
Research requires resources that may be lacking, like funding, equipment, and administrative support. Navigating strategies include:
– Applying for competitive research grants from government and private organizations
– Utilizing institutional seed money and intramural funding
– Establishing partnerships with academics to access resources
– Demonstrating value of research to obtain buy-in from nursing leaders
Applying Findings to Practice
The gap between research evidence and clinical practice persists. Overcoming this requires:
– Effective knowledge translation strategies
– Nursing leadership empowering change
– Championing evidence through journal clubs, in-services, etc.
– Involving interprofessional teams to improve uptake
– Evaluating implementation efforts and outcomes
Publishing and Disseminating
Sharing nursing research can be challenging. Useful approaches include:
– Starting with smaller regional and specialty journals
– Getting experienced co-authors to guide manuscript development
– Presenting posters and oral presentations at conferences
– Summarizing findings for lay audiences through organizational channels
Education and Career Paths in Nursing Research
There are various paths to build expertise in nursing research:
MSN Programs
Many Master of Science in Nursing programs offer specific education related to research design, methods, statistics, and application to practice. This provides a strong foundation to apply research skills at the bedside.
DNP Programs
The clinical doctorate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), includes advanced coursework in evidence-based practice, project planning, quality improvement, program evaluation, and other content to prepare nurses to lead practice changes through research.
PhD Programs
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing focuses intensely on developing nurse scientists. Curriculum emphasizes theory development, research methods, statistics, instrument development, grant writing, and dissertation research.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships
Following a PhD or DNP, completing a post-doctoral fellowship can further hone research skills under the mentorship of experienced faculty. This provides specialized training and builds a publication record.
Academic Faculty Positions
Becoming a professor allows nurses to teach research, secure funding, lead studies, and mentor future nurse scientists while advancing the state of science.
Conclusion
MSN prepared nurses play invaluable roles in research by leading and collaborating on studies, appraising evidence, improving practice, generating new knowledge, and disseminating findings. Realizing these contributions requires graduate education, experience, resources, strong partnerships, leadership support, and strategic approaches to overcome common barriers. Ongoing participation in research allows MSN nurses to enhance patient outcomes, improve systems, elevate the profession, and address pressing health needs through scientific inquiry.