What is it about?

Clinical research nurses (CRN) make a significant contribution to healthcare research within the UK and internationally. However, lack of clarity about their role, and scope of practice renders their contribution within the profession and in the minds of the wider public invisible.The study describes UK CRN practice, highlighting the positive benefits and challenges associated with the role, including the need to support professional and career development to maximise their research contribution.

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Why is it important?

This is an original study in English language that explores the professional role identity of clinical research nurses in the UK. Drawing on international comparators the study makes recommendations to establish well-defined educational,career and promotional pathways that include opportunities for research leadership.

Perspectives

Clinical research nurses practice globally; they are integral members of the research team who care for a wide range of research participants throughout the lifespan and across states of wellness and disease, in all settings. Yet, I have felt that, when successful research projects and medical teams involved in it are celebrated, the contribution of the research nurse is often overlooked and ignored. I hope this article will shed more light on the professional role of the research nurse, the responsibilities they handle and the challenges they face, to execute a smooth study flow and ensure a quality experience for the participants.

Swapna Kunhunny
City University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The evolving professional identity of the clinical research nurse: A qualitative exploration, Journal of Clinical Nursing, September 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14055.
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