Aim: To provide a better understanding of the factors affecting recruitment and retention of clinical research nurses. Design: Qualitative exploratory design Methods: An on-line questionnaire comprising open-ended and fixed choice questions was completed by 121 clinical research nurses. Seven focus groups were held across three counties with a subgroup of 26 participants. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Participants were attracted to a research nurse post by an interest in research itself, a desire for a change or to achieve personal objectives. The majority expected to continue in a research nurse post for the next five years while others expected to move on to research management, a clinical post or retirement; few had ambitions to become an independent researcher. Factors identified in focus groups as leading to intentions to leave research included short term contracts, concern about loss of clinical skills, desire for further change, unsupportive employers and limited opportunities for career progression.
Boulton, Mary G.Beer, Sally
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences\Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery\Department of Nursing
Year of publication: 2018Date of RADAR deposit: 2018-05-29