1. Hiring a Nurse Researcher/Scientist Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee (NRFAC) January 2015

2. Choosing a Nurse Researcher! Purpose: to provide assistance to an ADPCS/NE (Nurse Executive) considering a position for a nurse researcher/scientist. If you have questions, contact Bev Priefer, PhD, RN, Acting Director of Research and Evidence Based Practice at Office of Nursing Services.Bev Priefer

3. Why You Need a Nurse Researcher/Scientist Contributes to VHA Research mission Generating and translating knowledge leading to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Veterans Develop staff to understand, apply and participate in research Potential to increase visibility and improve clinical processes and patient outcomes Enhance collaboration with academic affiliates IOM recommendation

4. Determine Research “Fit” Confirm facility ability to conduct research (IRB/Research and Development Committee) Consider your service and facility readiness – Assess previous involvement or readiness of staff for research participation or quality improvement Identify infrastructure needed for research support (http://www.va.gov/NURSING/research/rsrchRsrc.asp)http://www.va.gov/NURSING/research/rsrchRsrc.asp – Assess facility’s Research & Development support – Identify available Centers of research and regional specialty care (e.g. GRECC, SCI, COIN)

5. Responsibilities to Negotiate Percent of research time Becoming funded Committee membership (local, VISN, national) Participation in shared governance Academic Collaborations Relationship to Research Service Involvement with staff facilitation for research

6. Making the Right Selection Nurse Researcher / Scientist PhD or equivalent research training Funded / published Collaborative Focus fits with VA strategic goals OR Evidence Based Practice Facilitator PhD or DNP Solid clinical base Understands and implements the EBP process Collaborative

7. Academic Partners Contact your Academic affiliate Determine their research capacity Identify potential for research relationships Negotiate mutually rewarding goals Consider creative models for sharing resources – full time VA and adjunct – 2 appointments: VA and university – 5/8 VA required for VA PI funding

8. Help is Available!! ONS Bev Priefer, PhD, RN, Acting Director of Research and Evidence Based Practice at Office of Nursing Services.Bev Priefer NRFAC – http://www.va.gov/NURSING/research/nursingresearch.asp http://www.va.gov/NURSING/research/nursingresearch.asp – Chair & Members