James has worked as a research nurse for around eight years. He works in several areas, including dermatology, gastroenterology and cardiology. Before coming to research nursing, James worked on an acute medical ward, first as a staff nurse and then as a charge nurse. After around nine years in a clinical role, where he had some frustrations over standards of care, James felt that it was time for a new challenge. After researching different career options, James went into research nursing, which was quite new in his Trust: it was appealing to be involved in something new, that looked as though it was going somewhere, and it was going to make a difference. James was also attracted to the working hours offered in the post. Unlike in shift work, he now has standard hours with room for flexibility. Having a young family, James finds this important.

James first research nurse post was focused on cardiology studies. This was a part-time job, which he did alongside clinical practice. On starting the new role, James did an induction programme, which covered research skills, and he continues to do training for each project he works on. James found working in a dual role an easy transition, as both of his managers were helpful. As the research team expanded, James began working on more studies, and within six months was working full-time in research. One difficulty James finds with his work is balancing multiple studies. This can be difficult as there is a lot of information to remember, such as inclusion criteria for different trials. James initially started on a fixed-term contract, which felt a bit uncertain, but he was not too worried as he felt he could fall back on clinical work. After four years, James research contract was made permanent.

In his research role, James in involved in a variety of tasks, including assessing and recruiting patients to different trials. Building rapport is important and James tries to establish a trusting relationship with patients by spending time talking to them about their condition as well as the study. After consent has been taken, James collects and sends off the data, and fills in paperwork. Because analysing, writing up and publishing studies are activities outside of his job description, James finds that this sometimes takes away the rewarding part. However, James likes knowing that changes have been implemented in clinical practice because of studies he has worked on: you’re pleased for the team, as well as for the patients that are benefiting from it.

James emphasises that his experience of being a research nurse has meant less patient-contact overall. However, he tries to continue interacting with patients on the wards: I think as a nurse it’s important to still make that effort to remind yourself that you are a nurse and still be involved as much as you can. James thinks that having clinical experience is important to delivering research in his role, as are time management and communication skills. He feels well supported at work and has a really good relationship with his manager, who is very experienced in his field. Although James gets on well with his colleagues, who all bring different experiences and backgrounds to research, being based in different locations across the hospital hinders relationships to an extent.

Although James is aware that patients do not always know what a research nurse does, he feels the profile of this role has increased over recent years and it has become more respected: ten years ago, research nursing was maybe looked upon as a kind of an end of career, wind-down type role‚ But certainly it’s not the case now. James is planning to continue working as a research nurse, but is very open-minded about the future and where his career could take him.