Career Progression

Historically, research delivery staff have faced challenges integrating into clinical care teams, largely because their role was not always well understood by colleagues. In response, we have worked proactively to raise the profile of research nurses and practitioners, highlighting their contribution to both patient care and research excellence. To support professional development, we have established a structured career progression pathway that enables research nurses to transition into nurse researcher roles, should they wish to pursue an academic career. Equally, we provide opportunities for those interested in leadership within research delivery through dedicated mentorship and professional development programmes.

We actively encourage MSc and PhD nursing students to undertake their clinical placements within our team, creating an environment that fosters both clinical and academic growth.

Our research nurses and practitioners routinely draw on questions arising from their clinical and research delivery practice to inform scholarly inquiry. As a result, all members of the team have participated in small-scale research projects, generating outputs that include abstracts accepted at international conferences, as well as quality improvement and service evaluation initiatives within our clinical specialty. These activities not only contribute to the evidence base but also strengthen the integration of research, education, and clinical practice.

A Day in the Life of an ORNIID Research Nurse

Research by its very nature is structured and organised. Participants must be consented according to good clinical practice and legal criteria, data and samples must be collected according to strict protocols to maintain the integrity of the data, reduce bias and ultimately support a quality research process. However, an ORNIID research nurse sits in a unique position within this context, working within the challenging clinical environment of endoscopy and infusion clinics, co-ordinating activities in collaboration with scientists in the laboratory, clinicians in practice and participants at the core of our activities.

An average day could involve identifying, approaching and consenting participants, collecting and processing samples for the scientists. Or it could involve discussing requirements of new studies and the ground breaking experimental findings emerging from the team. Or it could start with some in-house learning and end up supporting clinical colleagues if a research participant has become unwell. Our team values of accuracy, adaptability, development and humanity direct our practice to keep the wellbeing of our participants, relationships with our collaborators and quality in the research process in symbiotic balance. It is challenging, rewarding and full of opportunities for self and personal development. If you don’t like average, we are the team for you!