Igniting the spark of clinical research inquiry for undergraduate student nurses by Siobhan Egan

My name is Siobhan Egan and I work as a clinical research nurse at the Clinical Research Unit (CRU), University of Limerick Hospital Group, Ireland. The CRU is a subunit of the Clinical Research Support Unit (CRSU), Health Research Institute, University of Limerick. The CRSU endeavours to conduct and support outstanding transformative research in order to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. The role of the clinical research nurse is pivitol in supporting various research projects including industry, pharmaceutical and academic led clinical trials.
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​I really enjoy the diversity of my work which includes clinical, research, leadership and educational responsibilities. I am passionate about student nurse education, and as a clinical nurse I always enjoyed mentoring students. Recently, I gave a tutorial to 4th year student nurses which focused on a piece of research I undertook as part of my Masters in Nursing. Surprisingly I received many questions about my current role as a nurse in clinical research. These queries centred on the duties of a research nurse, what qualifications are necessary, and career advancement. 
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​Unfortunately, many student nurses internationally don’t have the opportunity to undertake a placement in clinical research and there is little emphasis on clinical research in the undergraduate nursing curriculum. I believe that if we are to ignite the spark of research inquiry among our graduate nurses then the opportunity to undertake a placement in clinical research is necessary. Personally I have always learned from the lived experience and can honestly say I never truly understood research methodology until I began working as a research nurse
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​I completed my MSc in Nursing in 2014, and I have to admit that at times I found it a challenging process! Upon reflection, the experience and knowledge I have gained from working as a nurse in clinical research would undoubtedly have supported me in obtaining this academic award. I want students to know that there is a growing body of clinical research and nurses are at the forefront of this exciting career option. I enthusiastically promote and encourage clinical research nursing.

https://www.ul.ie/hri/