The perceived reality and environment of the mid-career nurse scientist.

Background/purpose: A qualitative study was designed to explore facilitators and barriers to success from the perspectives of self-identified mid-career nurse scientists.

Methods: Data were collected from 84 respondents using open-ended items as part of an electronic survey of self-identified mid-career nurse scientists who were members of regional nursing research societies.

Discussion/conclusion: Two main themes emerged: "Perceived Realities" and "What's Needed to Achieve Career Success." Mid-career nurse scientists experience both joy from teaching and research roles and dissatisfaction with research support; difficulty balancing heavy teaching workload, administrative responsibilities, and research, and ineffective mentoring. Based on the challenges in their environment, respondents identified numerous ways to enhance career success including (1) increasing or enhancing release time for research activities, (2) formal infrastructure to support research activities, and (3) targeted, effective mentoring by senior scientists.