Increasing numbers of nurses are moving from their direct clinical base to take up posts as clinical research nurses. However, although there are published guidelines about their role responsibilities, little is written about the reality of the role. This paper offers an experiential account into the variety of responsibilities undertaken by CRNs, highlighting the extended role that experienced CRNs may undertake, the transferable skills exhibited and the extent to which traditional boundaries between professionals can continue to be challenged. Role remits are examined in an attempt to show that not only do CRNs possess many of the skills that are highly regarded and respected in specialised clinical nursing but also that they may be well placed within the profession to assist in building the evidence base for practice as nursing continues to develop.
British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (2002) National BCIS Audit Data 2002. www.bcis.org.uk
2.
Clark, E. (1990) Making sense of descriptive statistics . Nursing Standard4: 46, 36-41 .
3.
Department of Health (1991) Doctors in Training: A new deal. London: Stationery Office .
4.
Department of Health (2001) Reference Guide to Consent for Examination or Treatment. London: Department of Health .
5.
Department of Health (2003) Research Governance for Health and Social Care; Guidance for local implementation plans. (Revised March 2003.) Leeds: Department of Health .
6.
Hicks, C. (1995) The shortfall in published research: A study of nurses' research and publication activities . Journal of Advanced Nursing21: 594-604
7.
Hundley, V. , Milne, J. , Leighton Beck, L.et al. (2000) Raising research awareness among midwives and nurses: Does it work?Journal of Advanced Nursing31: 1, 78-88 .
8.
International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (1997) Good Clinical Practice: Consolidated guideline . Ottawa, Ontario: Health Canada Publications.
9.
Jack, B. , Clarke, A.M. (1998) The value of quantitative research in nursing . Professional Nurse13: 11, 753-756 .
10.
Kenkre, J. , Foxcroft, D.R. (2001) Career pathways in clinical research . Nursing Standard16: 5, 41-44 .
11.
Nemes, J . (1994) Nurse practitioners in acute care units . Nursing Standard9: 8, 37-40 .
12.
Official Journal of the European Communities (2001) Directive 2001/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 April 2001 on the Approximation of the Laws, Regulations and Administrative Provisions of the Member States Relating to the Implementation of Good Clinical Practice in the Conduct of Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use . Official Journal of the European Communities44: L121, 34-44 .
13.
Raja-Jones H (2002) Role boundaries-research nurse or clinical nurse specialist? A literature review . Journal of Clinical Nursing11: 4, 415-420 .
14.
Rosenbaum, J.N. (1996) Studying research: From boredom to enjoyment . Journal of Nursing Education35: 2, 91-92 .
15.
Royal College of Nursing (1998a) Research Ethics. Guidance for nurses involved in research or any investigative project involving human subjects. London: RCN .
16.
Royal College of Nursing (1998b) The Clinical Research Nurse in NHS Trusts and GP practices: Guidance for nurses and their employers. Employment Brief 2198. London: RCN .
17.
Tanner J , Ha le, C. (2002) Research-active nurses' perceptions of the barriers to undertaking research in practice . Nursing Times Research7: 5, 363-375 .
18.
United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting (1992) The Scope of Professional Practice. London: UKCC .
19.
World Medical Assembly (2000) Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. (Declaration of Helsinki.) (6th edn.) Edinburgh: 52nd World Medical Assembly .
