Split personalities: Role conflict between the nurse and the nurse researcher

This paper is a personal account of the nurse-nurse researcher role conflict encountered while conducting a qualitative research study. Difficulties in the transition from a clinical post to a nurse researcher role are described and the experiences of other authors dealing with such a role change are used to illustrate potential resolutions. An understanding of the concept of reflexivity is offered and a description of how this can be applied to consider the impact of ‘the self’ on the research. The paper suggests a solution to the well-known role conflict encountered by nurse researchers: including the nurse in the process of research, and being confident about taking a personal investigative approach. It is argued that drawing on the interactive skills of the nurse can benefit and not detract from the research process.