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Weekly Q&A: Reporting structure for nurse researchers

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, September 19, 2006

This week, a reader wants to know about the reporting structure for nurse researchers, and the options for facilities without this position. Read the response below from our advisor, Cindy Goodrich, RN, MSN, EdD, ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® coordinator, Centra Health in Lynchburg, VA.

Q: For organizations that have part- or full-time nurse researchers, what is the reporting structure? What research options exist for facilities that don't have a dedicated research position?

A: For healthcare organizations with either a part- or full-time research position as part of the organization's structure, it is common for the researcher to directly report to the CNO. If a full-time research position is not an option, a contractual agreement with research faculty from a local college or university with a nursing program may be the answer.

Whether or not there is a full-time nurse researcher on staff, all nurses need to be prepared to articulate their needs in relation to research and the utilization of evidence if they are pursuing or maintaining designation. Some options for facilities without full-time nurse researchers include having part-time or contractual researchers participate on a research council, work with staff members to discuss the current literature and subsequent practice changes, and facilitate study development. As designated facilities are challenged to adopt creative ways to continually develop research programs, many states have established research consortiums for facilities to collaborate on studies and to share innovative strategies in moving research programs forward.

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