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Develop the skills, knowledge, competence, and confidence to succeed as a nurse scientist.

Innovation is the art and science of combination. It鈥檚 about connecting different ideas, skills, and approaches – often from different fields and disciplines – to fill in gaps and serve existing needs in new ways. The role of a nurse scientist provides a sterling example.

In the exciting and quickly transforming health care fields, nurse scientists are the eye of the hurricane, applying evidence-based interventions to improve on-the-ground practices.

Dr. Renata Jones, DNP, RN, is a Staff Educational Consultant and founder of the Interprofessional Evidence-based Practice Council at Kaiser Permanente, Downey Medical Center, in California, and is highly knowledgeable and experienced on the work of nurse scientists and how they fit into the broader health care ecosystem. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Loyola University in Chicago. Her Master’s Degree in Nursing from The University of California, Los Angeles, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Western University of Health Sciences.

鈥淣urse scientists must be passionate about quality patient care, searching for evidence, and assisting their teams,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淭hey must be excellent communicators, affable, easily accessible to the team, flexible, and resilient.听 One of my physician colleagues affectionately referred to me as a 鈥榙og with a bone.鈥欌��

What is a nurse scientist?

Nurse scientists are trained and immersed in the science, principles, and practice of nursing in a multifaceted, multidimensional way. They are knowledgeable and experienced in research, evidence-based practice, and the different theories of nursing. They apply their deep and diverse expertise to help design, implement, and evaluate new nursing interventions that promote improved health and happiness for patients, health care professionals, and their surrounding communities.

Their work includes spearheading research studies to develop new evidence-based practices. This requires viewing on-the-ground realities through a particular lens. They must combine compassion and intense engagement with their work and sufficient higher-level awareness and analysis to see – and help redraw – the bigger picture.

Applying your skills and knowledge is one thing, and effectively imparting it to others is another. Nurse scientists are also responsible for teaching and mentoring students and colleagues in the field, which requires its own rare set of skills and is necessary to create the conditions for positive change.

鈥淎s a change agent in a health care system or organization, a nurse scientist leads innovative strategies and collaborates with multiple disciplines, experts, patients and families to translate evidence into quality practice,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淢eanwhile, research can become a component of a nurse scientist鈥檚 role when insufficient clinical or scientific evidence is available or when lessons learned during translation lead to researchable questions. Thus, collaborating with a nurse researcher who is an expert in designing and implementing scientific studies may lead to new knowledge that can be applied to further improve outcomes.鈥�

Key responsibilities of a nurse scientist

• Research: Design, implement, and analyze studies to address nursing issues, identify and fill gaps, and contribute to the advancement and improvement of evidence-based practice
• Theory: Develop effective models and frameworks to help guide research and increase awareness of nursing
• Communication: Disseminate findings by publishing research and results in scholarly journals, attend and participate in conferences, and share their passion and knowledge with their wider nursing and health care communities
• Education: Teach and mentor nursing students and provide continuing education for practicing nurses
• Collaborate: Play essential roles as lynchpins for interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with health care professionals, researchers, and policy decision-makers to enhance patient care and health care systems
• Obtain funding: Write grant proposals and obtain the necessary resources to support research projects
• Join important conversations: Use their unique expertise and the results of their research to help inform and influence health care policies, guidelines, and discussions

For a nurse scientist, collaboration is crucial

Collaboration is central to the work of a nurse scientist. Nurse scientists must work in harmony with other health care professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and social workers, to develop effective evidence-based practices. In addition, nurse scientists must collaborate with patients, families, and communities to develop interventions that are tailored to their needs.

鈥淣o one person can make improvements alone,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淐hange does not occur by simply telling others what to do.听 For best evidence to become standard practice, others must become part of the change and ultimately diffuse the innovation. Understanding culture, building relationships, and gaining trust are paramount.鈥�

Tight-knit teamwork is essential for a nurse scientist for many reasons, including:

• Interdisciplinary research: Nurse scientists often work with professionals from various fields, such as medicine, psychology, sociology, and public health. Collaborating with experts from different disciplines helps generate comprehensive and innovative solutions to complex health care problems.
• Knowledge sharing: Collaboration promotes the exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise among researchers, which can enhance the quality of research and facilitate the development of new knowledge and skills.
• Resource pooling: By working together, nurse scientists can pool their resources, such as funding, equipment, and facilities, to conduct more extensive and impactful research projects.
• Networking: Collaboration helps nurse scientists build professional networks, which can lead to new research opportunities, partnerships, and career advancements.
• Improved patient care: Collaborative research can lead to evidence-based practices and improved patient outcomes. By working together, nurse scientists can contribute to developing new interventions, policies, and guidelines that enhance patient care and promote health equity.

Nurse scientist career opportunities

Nurse scientists are highly sought after throughout the health care industry due to their advanced education and expertise. They are also well-compensated and have the potential to earn a high salary. As a nurse scientist, you can positively impact the lives of patients, families, and communities.

Pursuing a career as a nurse scientist offers several key benefits, including:

• Advancing nursing knowledge: Nurse scientists contribute to developing and advancing nursing knowledge through research, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
• Professional growth: Pursuing a career as a nurse scientist allows for personal and professional growth as individuals develop expertise in their chosen area of research and become leaders in their field.
• Collaboration and networking: Nurse scientists collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of health care professionals, researchers, and educators, enabling them to build a strong professional network.
• Career opportunities: A career as a nurse scientist opens up diverse job opportunities in various settings, such as academia, research institutions, hospitals, and government agencies.
• Job security: The demand for nurse scientists is expected to grow as the health care industry continues to evolve, offering job stability and security.
• Financial rewards: Nurse scientists often earn higher salaries than other nursing roles, reflecting the advanced education and specialized skills required for the position.
• Tangible impact on policy and practice: Nurse scientists have the opportunity to influence health care policies and practices by translating research findings into practical applications and guidelines.
• Intellectual stimulation: Pursuing a career in nursing research provides intellectual stimulation and satisfaction by addressing complex health care issues and contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.

鈥淪elect a project you are passionate about improving, expect to work hard, and be resilient,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淟earn and apply all you can from each course and mentorship affiliation. Aim high, but don鈥檛 be too hard on yourself and expect perfection. Remember, you will likely do your best work after completing the program.鈥�

What challenges does a nurse scientist face?

There are good reasons why the bar for qualified nurse scientists is high and the educational requirements are rigorous. Nurse scientists face a number of unique challenges in the field. They must stay up-to-date on the latest research and evidence-based practices. In addition, they must be able to communicate with other health care professionals and patients effectively. They must also manage their time effectively to complete their tasks while managing multiple areas of responsibility simultaneously.

The biggest challenges I experienced were resistance to change, conflicting priorities, and lack of budget,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淎lso, changes in leadership were often associated with a change in vision or created setbacks while new leaders became oriented to the organizations.鈥�

A few typical challenges include:

• Staying current with advances: The field of nursing science is constantly evolving, and nurse scientists must stay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and technologies to remain relevant and contribute effectively to the field.
• Balancing clinical practice and research: Nurse scientists often juggle clinical practice with their research commitments, which can lead to time constraints and difficulties in managing both roles effectively.
• Research dissemination and implementation: Translating research findings into clinical practice can be a slow and challenging process. Nurse scientists must work closely with health care providers and organizations to ensure that their research findings are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Nurse scientists often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, requiring effective communication and teamwork skills to ensure that research goals are met and the results are meaningful.
• Funding and resources: Securing funding for research projects can be competitive and challenging. Nurse scientists must write grant proposals and seek financial support from various sources, such as government agencies, private foundations, or industry partners.
• Ethical considerations: Last but certainly not least, conducting research involving human subjects demands strict adherence to ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. Navigating these ethical considerations can be complex and challenging.

Why are nurse scientists so important now?听

While the work of nurse scientists is still relatively new in the field of health care, it has rapidly gained visibility and relevance in the wake of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. During a chaotic and confusing time, nurse scientists possessed the rare skillset required to match scientific research findings with an intimate familiarity with on-the-ground realities, translating leading-edge research to applied best practices, nearly in real-time.

As health care continues to evolve rapidly, the work of nurse scientists will only gain currency. Here are a few key categories in which nurse scientists are uniquely well primed to help health care reach its potential in the coming decades:

• Evidence-based practice: Nurse scientists contribute to developing evidence-based practices, which help improve patient care and outcomes. Their research findings inform nursing practices, policies, and guidelines, ensuring that health care professionals use the most up-to-date and effective methods.
• Expanding knowledge: Nurse scientists expand our understanding of nursing, health care, and related fields. Their research addresses various aspects of health care, such as disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of chronic conditions. This knowledge is crucial for improving health care systems and patient experiences.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Nurse scientists collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as medicine, pharmacy, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation and helps address complex health care challenges more effectively.
• Addressing health care disparities: Nurse scientists often focus on identifying and addressing health care disparities among different populations. Their research helps inform policies and interventions that aim to reduce these disparities and promote health equity.
• Advocacy and policy development: Nurse scientists are crucial in advocating for policies that support nursing and health care. Their research findings can inform policymakers, helping to shape health care policies and improve the overall quality of care.
• Education and mentorship: As educators, nurse scientists help train the next generation of nurses and health care professionals. They share their knowledge, expertise, and research findings, inspiring future leaders in the field.听

What are the educational requirements for a nurse scientist?

Much of a nurse scientist鈥檚 work is research-based, so they must be highly trained and adept at conducting research and interpreting clinical realities through research methodologies. Using scientific best practices, a nurse scientist investigates the full spectrum of the health care experience, spots gaps and opportunities, and helps develop and implement new approaches to improve practices and outcomes for health care professionals and their patients.

This takes a unique combination of highly specialized education and training. Nurse scientists often hold advanced degrees, such as a PhD or DNP. Furthermore, they must carry a working knowledge of adjacent medical fields to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.

To become a nurse scientist, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is required, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Then, they usually go on to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This is one of the most powerful and prestigious academic achievements in nursing.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is also highly recommended, as the work of a nurse science is heavily and intimately based in research. Earning this degree confers rare expertise in nursing theory, research methods, and data analysis, which they鈥檒l need to conduct independent research.

Some nurse scientists also complete postdoctoral fellowships fpr additional experience and expertise in a particular specialized area of focus.

Then, they need a license to practice as a registered nurse (RN). This is part of their continuing education, which also includes staying current with new advances and innovations in nursing research and practice through courses, professional development, and participation in professional communities.

Western University of Health Sciences: A top choice for nurse scientist careers

The Western University of Health Sciences College of Graduate Nursing offers students various academic, research, and professional growth opportunities.

The College of Graduate Nursing offers a variety of degree programs for those interested in the science of improvement. These include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs are designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to become successful change agents. The curricula focus on evidence-based practice, research, publication, and leadership.

鈥淲estern University鈥檚 culture of humanism and improving the quality of life through innovation and collaboration are embedded throughout the DNP program,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淭he focus on interprofessional collaboration in practice paved the way for my achievements as a nurse scientist. Furthermore, the DNP course objectives and sequence of courses provided an ideal roadmap for success as a nurse scientist.鈥�