The clinical nurse researcher in a military setting: bringing practice into research

The clinical nurse researcher (CNR) is emerging as an integral part of every major medical center. The CNR has six basic roles: facilitate the conduct of research projects; stimulate staff to conduct research: upgrade the research skills of the staff; participate on committees related to research; conduct and disseminate research; and obtain funding for research studies. Readiness issues for military missions, health promotion, and disease management and prevention are consistently of interest. The CNR should be an active participant on the institutional review board and should conduct primary studies that further the reputation of the facility. The viability of any military research program today is contingent on procurement of funding; therefore, the CNR must refine skills in grantsmanship. The demands of the medical facility and the needs of the staff must be a prime consideration in the development of the role of the CNR.