Nurse Researcher
Nursing research is required in all areas of practice and in all health care settings. Nurse researchers undertake a wide range of research activities designed to advance knowledge to improve nursing care and health outcomes. They are leaders in the nursing profession, through their work in developing research activities that contribute to the improvement of nursing practice. Nurse researchers may also lead and coordinate quality improvement and evidence-based practice activities to ensure the provision of quality, cost-effective nursing services.
Most graduates from higher degree research studies find employment as nurse researchers or project officers in health service settings, in government or non-government organisations, or as research staff in research institutions and universities. Graduates can work in nurse led research teams, and as part of broader multi-professional research teams. Graduates of higher degree studies may also pursue careers as nurse academics, with responsibilities for teaching and research in an academic and/or clinical setting.
There is a growing demand for nurse researchers in health care settings and in research and academic settings, as the need to expand the evidence base for nursing and to develop more effective and efficient health services grows. There are also an increasing number of opportunities for employment as academic nurses, a role which combines both teaching and research.
Nurse Academic
Nurse academics have responsibilities for teaching, research and service to the nursing profession. These responsibilities are normally undertaken in a university setting, but may also be conducted in health settings. The teaching role may include developing courses and curricula, conducting lectures and tutorials in class room settings, enabling learning via a range of flexible or innovative teaching modes, facilitating learning in the clinical setting, and student assessing learning outcomes. The research role can be conducted in a range of areas of practice, and can involve a wide range of research activities designed to advance knowledge to improve nursing care and health outcomes. The service role of the nurse academic can include a wide range of leadership activities in the profession, including participation in professional bodies, providing expert advice and contributing to the development of government policy.
There is a growing demand for nurse academics nationally and internationally, as the need to develop a sustainable nursing workforce and develop more effective and efficient health services grows. Opportunities for combined teaching and research roles, or for teaching or research only roles are available.
Course Highlights
- Master of Applied Science (Research) gives you the chance to pursue a significant piece of supervised research. This course is designed to develop your research capabilities including analytical thinking, academic writing and project management skills. Some of you in the future may embark on doctoral studies.
- Doctor of Health Science is designed for working professionals who want to develop high-level research skills to complement the requirements and challenges of their working lives. They offer a unique opportunity to solve real world problems with research expertise.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) challenges you to make a significant and original contribution to knowledge in your field. With a PhD you can help develop the theories and models that will shape your profession and/or discipline in the future.