Nurse Researcher Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Designs, conducts and evaluates nursing and interdisciplinary research projects and promotes the implementation of research findings into clinical nursing practice.
What does a Nurse Researcher do?
A Nurse Researcher investigates questions that affect nursing and healthcare, plans and carries out research projects, evaluates the findings and helps translate useful evidence into improvements in clinical nursing practice. The role may involve working with professionals from different disciplines and communicating research results clearly.
How to become a Nurse Researcher in South Africa
- Build a strong understanding of nursing practice and patient care.
- Develop knowledge of research planning, evidence evaluation and ethical research practice.
- Seek opportunities to participate in nursing or interdisciplinary research projects.
- Practise analysing findings and explaining how evidence could improve clinical nursing practice.
- Confirm current education, provider, workplace and research requirements with relevant South African institutions or employers.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
There may be no single universal qualification pathway for this career, and education requirements can vary. Preparation should combine nursing knowledge with research, evaluation and communication skills. Verify current pathways and requirements with accredited education providers, employers and relevant official bodies.
Useful school subjects
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- English
- Computer Applications Technology
Skills that may help
- Research design
- Evidence evaluation
- Critical thinking
- Data interpretation
- Written and verbal communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Applying research findings to clinical practice