We are proud to celebrate International Nurses Day 2025 by shining a spotlight on our clinical research nurses, a group of skilled, passionate professionals working at the intersection of care and innovation.
This year’s theme from the International Council of Nurses (ICN), “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies”, continues the broader message of “Our Nurses, Our Future”, drawing attention to the essential role nurses play in the stability, efficiency, and success of healthcare systems across the globe.
While clinical research nurses may work away from the traditional hospital ward, their impact on health systems and patients is profound. By helping to develop and test new treatments, they are instrumental in shaping the future of care.
“It is rewarding and a privilege to be involved in clinical research trials, developing new drugs and treatments, improving patient outcomes for current and future generations”
– Colleen Butchart, Clinical Research Nurse
The Role of Clinical Research Nurses
Clinical research nurses are critical to the safe and effective delivery of clinical trials. They manage every aspect of a study from patient recruitment, informed consent, to data collection, clinical assessments, and sample processing. They ensure the integrity of trials while placing patient welfare at the heart of everything they do.
Their work not only supports the discovery of new therapies but also helps bridge the gap between innovation and real-world care. As healthcare increasingly looks to evidence-based approaches, research nurses are helping bring research into the everyday experience of patients and clinicians alike.
“I changed my career direction in 2007, from hands-on care to clinical research, because I wanted a fresh challenge. I’ve worked in all phases of clinical research, from Phase 1 to real-world studies. Each clinical site is unique, and developing relationships with new colleagues and patients is crucial to successful delivery. Being part of a small, innovative team like NWEH means I can contribute more directly and meaningfully.” – Sue Bokowski, Clinical Research Nurse
Research in the Heart of the Community
At NWEH, our nurses don’t just work in clinics, they work in communities. We collaborate closely with local GP practices to deliver trials in familiar and accessible settings. This community-first model helps us build strong, trusted relationships with patients and clinicians alike, increasing participation and reducing barriers to access.
“I began building my research career over 13 years ago, drawn to the field by the opportunity to merge my nursing expertise with clinical science, what inspired me most was the ability to contribute meaningfully to the development and advancement of healthcare delivery, ultimately improving patient outcomes on a broader scale. At NWEH, we support this mission by leveraging tools like FARSITE, which enables highly targeted recruitment strategies. This not only increases the efficiency of our research efforts but also enhances participant diversity, ensuring our work is both impactful and inclusive.” – Katherine McGarr, Community Research Team Lead
This close partnership with general practices, along with strong patient rapport allows our nurses to deliver trials that are more reflective of real-world populations, helping ensure that research benefits everyone.
Investing in Skills, Building Futures
Research nursing is a dynamic field that demands a broad range of clinical and technical skills from patient care to laboratory precision. Nurses at NWEH undertake continuous professional development to remain at the forefront of research standards and patient safety.
“I’ve continued to upskill through Good Clinical Practice training and hands-on learning, from venepuncture and ECGs to centrifugation and aliquotting, these skills allow me to blend clinical precision with compassionate care, something I believe defines research nursing.” — Jamal Ashraf, Senior Clinical Research Nurse.
Supporting Nurses, Strengthening Healthcare
As the ICN reminds us this year, a healthy and secure nursing workforce is fundamental to a functioning healthcare system. At NWEH, we believe that empowering our research nurses is not only vital to clinical trial success, it also supports the wider healthcare ecosystem by accelerating access to new treatments, improving outcomes, and building trust in research.
On International Nurses Day, we celebrate the dedication, talent, and curiosity of our nursing team. Their work helps drive healthcare forward one study, one patient, and one breakthrough at a time. Jo added, “By delivering clinical trials within primary care and community settings, the NWEH clinical team are helping to bring research directly to the general population, ensuring it is no longer limited to hospital environments. This vital shift not only broadens participation but also allows patients earlier access to potentially life-changing medications."
Our Nurses are often the first point of contact for participants, safeguarding their experience while advancing essential healthcare studies, and their work fosters innovation and builds lasting trust in research across the communities we serve.
Add your comment