Most care that patients receive in hospitals and GP practices is the result of research. You might not know it but clinical research trials and studies are part of everyday work in the NHS.
Donna Bowens is a research nurse at University Hospital Southampton. She is based at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and works on studies that improve care and treatments for people with Cystic Fibrosis.
We spoke to Donna about how she became a nurse, what a typical day looks like and how you can follow in her footsteps.
A journey into nursing
Donna has been part of Southampton’s research nursing team for almost three years.
“I have a science background and used to work for a respiratory consultant,” she explains.
“As part of that job, I helped nurses with admin tasks for research studies. I found that I really enjoyed the patient contact and decided to retrain as a nurse.”
Now, her role focuses on looking after people who are taking part in research. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs.
“Supporting patient visits to the CRF is a core part of my role,” she says.
“Most of my patient visits last between four and five hours. They typically include questionnaires and tests to measure blood, sweat and lung function.
“After each visit, I write up my notes and enter the information I’ve collected into the study database.”
She adds: “Other day-to-day responsibilities include making up study packs, dispensing medication and responding to patient queries.”
Research nurses work closely with other members of the team and clinical trial assistants. It’s a team effort to ensure all studies run smoothly.
“No two days are the same”
Donna says she relishes having such a varied job.
“One of the things I love most about this job is that no two days are the same,” she says. “I get the chance to work on multiple studies at a time, which are all so different.
“My favourites are long-term studies, as you can build meaningful relationships with your patients and see first-hand how research improves their quality of life.”
In particular, Donna is proud to be part of Vertex modulator trials that aim to treat the underlying cause of Cystic Fibrosis. She explains:
“It is amazing to see the difference that these treatments can make. Some of our patients have gone from needing to be hospitalised every few weeks and feeling discouraged, to passing their exams and having fresh hope for the future.”
How to become a research nurse
According to Donna, a research nurse needs to be adaptable, organised and confident. You also need to be able to communicate well with your colleagues and people taking part in research.
The first step to becoming a research nurse is earning a Bachelor of Science in a Nursing degree, which takes three to four years to complete. Some experience as a qualified nurse may also be required before moving into a research position.
Research nurses run clinical trials in all areas of healthcare, from cardiology to epilepsy and vaccine studies.
Donna’s words of advice to anyone considering a career as a research nurse are simple: “Go for it!”
She adds: “It is a real privilege to help improve people’s lives through research.”
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