Specialized Nursing Roles in Research or Academia

In research or academia, your role as a nurse takes a significant shift from focusing on physical tasks to giving intellectual contributions.

Nursing Roles in Research

In research, nurses function primarily as scientific investigators. They conceptualize and conduct research studies to improve patient care, develop better healthcare practices, or evaluate the effectiveness of existing nursing methods. These nurses, known as research nurses or nurse researchers, do a lot more than just participate. They may design research projects, evaluate research proposals, analyze data, report findings, and even publish work in scholarly journals. It’s a role that calls for critical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong understanding of research principles.

There is a grand range of research positions available. You could work in a college or university, a hospital, a private research firm, or even for the government. Each environment offers unique opportunities to contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing and health care.

Nursing Roles in Academia

In academia, you may take on the role of nursing professor, lecturer, or educator. After gaining extensive experience in clinical practice and completing advanced education, these roles give you the chance to shape the future generation of nurses. This could involve teaching nursing courses, mentoring students, supervising clinical experiences, and contributing to the development and evaluation of the nursing education curriculum.

Nursing educators spend some time in administrative work, coordinating program activities or serving on committees. They may also engage in research, publish scholarly work, or pursue professional development opportunities.

In the academic realm, you are expected to be a leader, an advocate, and a role model for your students. You are helping to build the foundation for their success in their nursing careers.

Whether you choose to pursue a career in research or academia, these roles offer unique opportunities to significantly influence nursing practice and health care through your intellect and experience.

Legal Protections and Workplace Rights

As a nurse, it is necessary to know your legal protections and rights in the workplace, especially if you have a disability. The main law that provides this protection in the United States is the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Importantly, this applies to all aspects of employment, from hiring and training to advancement and termination. This means, as a nurse with a disability, you hold the same rights in your workplace as any other employee.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation under the ADA is any change in the work environment or the way things are usually done that permits an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. This could mean alterations to existing facilities, a modified work schedule, or providing equipment or devices that assist you in doing your job efficiently.

However, an employer doesn’t have to provide an accommodation if it would cause an “undue hardship,” which means a significant difficulty or expense. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering various factors, including the cost of the accommodation and the financial resources of the employer.

This also applies to nursing students with physical disabilities. The ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require educational institutions to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Remember, communication is key. The ADA only requires your employer and educational institution to accommodate your known disabilities. Therefore, it’s essential to discuss your disability and necessary accommodations with your employer or school staff.

Simply knowing these rights and precautions allows you to navigate any hurdles in the workplace more effectively. However, it’s also important to consult with legal professionals or ADA experts to fully understand how these laws apply to your unique situation.