Towards improved organisational support for nurses working in research roles in the clinical setting: A mixed method investigation

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version
Author(s)
Rickard, Claire M
Williams, Ged
Ray-Barruel, Gillian
Armit, Lyn
Perry, Chris John
Luke, Haida
Duffy, Paula
Wallis, Marianne
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2011
Size

134495 bytes

File type(s)

application/pdf

Location
License
Abstract

Background: The clinical research workforce within nursing is growing including those employed to lead studies, coordinate research and many hybrid roles. Several studies have reported high job satisfaction among research nurses. However, there have also been reports of limited options for career development and professional integration, likely reflecting typical informal, departmentally based management models. Institution-wide studies of issues related to research nurses are lacking, thus hampering the design and implementation of effective organisational frameworks to support and develop these positions. Aims: To explore experiences of nurses employed in research positions regarding organisational structures and support for research career pathways, and determine what reforms would strengthen an effective research specialisation pathway. Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional approach, using a 104-item survey and semistructured interviews of 11 staff in research roles at an acute care hospital in Queensland, Australia. Results: Research nurses lack organisational support in many job aspects that they deem important. A management model for the coordination of research nurses within a health district could maximise development of this field. Academic liaison and mentoring for nurses in research, and recognition for effort, are key areas for a management model to target. Conclusion: Nurses in research roles need individual mentorship, collective support, and the professional recognition and status that researchers in other settings are afforded. A comprehensive research management model would provide structured organisational support for nurses in research, improve professional development opportunities, ensure efficient use of human resources, synergistic working partnerships, and further contribute to a culture of evidence-based healthcare.

Journal Title

Collegian: Journal of the Royal College of Nursing Australia

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

18

Issue

4

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2011 Royal College of Nursing, Australia. This is the author-manuscript version of this paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal website for access to the definitive, published version.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Nursing

Nursing not elsewhere classified

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections