title: Professional issues associated with the role of the research nurse.
abstract: This article presents the findings of two studies undertaken during 2002 and 2003 that aimed to explore a range of professional issues facing research nurses. The results indicated that the position of research nurses is often complex because of a combination of contractual and accountability arrangements. This position can be intensified by feelings of isolation, a lack of professional support and limited specific educational opportunities. Experienced research nurses are often highly skilled in terms of their specialist clinical knowledge, and have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the research process, including methodological, ethical and practical issues.
authors.affiliation: Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Edinburgh. gordon.hill@luht.scot.nhs.uk
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacArthur
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000451:nursing*; D003625:Data Collection; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007587:Job Description; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011361:Professional Competence; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D012606:Scotland; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support