Research activities of clinical nurse researchers

A nationwide telephone survey was carried out on 34 nurses employed as researchers in clinical settings (CNRs). CNRs reported current involvement in over 200 projects with a range from 1 to 29 projects. Projects were categorized into the following types: clinical practice, nursing administration, evaluation, education, or methodology. Almost half (47%) of the projects were in clinical practice. Type of involvement in research was used as a basis for conceptualizing the CNR's role as traditional scientist, associate, or facilitator. Results are discussed regarding the variations found in how the CNR role is enacted across settings and the focus of the research in which CNRs are engaged.