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.

This paper is an account of the potential therapeutic impact of research interviews encountered while conducting a qualitative research study. Similarities between the therapeutic (or psychoanalytic) interview and the qualitative research interview are discussed and explored, with examples drawn from a current study. It is suggested that, as a listener, the nurse researcher may offer the participant a mechanism for reflection, greater self-awareness, finding a voice, obtaining information, and venting repressed emotions. Within the context of cancer the participant might have multiple care and information needs to which he/she may expect a therapeutic interaction from a nurse researcher. The potential therapeutic component of the nurse researcher role in the context of cancer care is described and considered. The paper suggests that there may be positive and negative aspects of a therapeutic component to the researcher role and that the researcher should think carefully concerning the stance that he/she will take in the field.