Hiring a Nurse Researcher/Scientist

Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee

(NRFAC)January 2015

Choosing a Nurse Researcher!

Purpose: to provide assistance to an ADPCS/NE (Nurse Executive) considering a position for a nurse researcher/scientist.

If you have questions, contact Bev Priefer, PhD, RN, Acting Director of Research and Evidence Based Practice at Office of Nursing Services.

Why You Need a Nurse Researcher/Scientist

• Contributes to VHA Research mission• Generating and translating knowledge leading to

improvements in the health and wellbeing of Veterans• Develop staff to understand, apply and participate in

research• Potential to increase visibility and improve clinical

processes and patient outcomes• Enhance collaboration with academic affiliates• IOM recommendation

Determine Research “Fit”

• Confirm facility ability to conduct research (IRB/Research and Development Committee)

• Consider your service and facility readiness– Assess previous involvement or readiness of staff for

research participation or quality improvement• Identify infrastructure needed for research support

(http://www.va.gov/NURSING/research/rsrchRsrc.asp)– Assess facility’s Research & Development support– Identify available Centers of research and regional

specialty care (e.g. GRECC, SCI, COIN)

Responsibilities to Negotiate

• Percent of research time• Becoming funded• Committee membership (local, VISN, national)• Participation in shared governance• Academic Collaborations• Relationship to Research Service• Involvement with staff facilitation for research

Making the Right Selection• Nurse Researcher / Scientist

• PhD or equivalent research training• Funded / published• Collaborative• Focus fits with VA strategic goals

OR• Evidence Based Practice Facilitator

• PhD or DNP• Solid clinical base• Understands and implements the EBP process• Collaborative

Academic Partners• Contact your Academic affiliate• Determine their research capacity• Identify potential for research relationships• Negotiate mutually rewarding goals• Consider creative models for sharing resources

– full time VA and adjunct– 2 appointments: VA and university– 5/8 VA required for VA PI funding

Help is Available!!

• ONS Bev Priefer, PhD, RN, Acting Director of Research and Evidence Based Practice at Office of Nursing Services.

• NRFAC– http://www.va.gov/NURSING/research/nursingresearch.asp

– Chair & Members