BRIDGING CLINICAL PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF CLINICAL RESEARCH NURSES IN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of clinical research nurses (CRNs) in academic medical centers, emphasizing their dual roles in delivering patient-centered care and upholding research integrity. CRNs operate at the convergence of clinical practice and scientific investigation, yet their voices remain underrepresented in scholarly discourse. Through semi-structured interviews with twelve purposively sampled participants, this study illuminated the complex realities CRNs face as they navigate ethical dilemmas, identity ambiguity, and professional growth within research-intensive environments. Thematic analysis yielded three major themes: (1) Navigating Dual Roles in Clinical and Research Domains, highlighting the tensions between patient advocacy and strict protocol compliance; (2) Building Competency and Confidence in Research Practice, capturing how nurses developed regulatory knowledge, refined documentation skills, and applied clinical judgment through experiential learning; and (3) Professional Fulfillment and Career Advancement, illustrating the meaningful contributions CRNs make to science and the satisfaction they derive from recognition and leadership opportunities. Findings underscore the importance of formal training, institutional support, and recognition frameworks to empower CRNs in their hybrid roles. Addressing ethical, educational, and structural challenges is critical to ensuring both research quality and nurse well-being. This study contributes new insights into the evolving identity of CRNs and calls for more inclusive policies and professional development strategies that position them as integral members of the research enterprise.