Parallel progress through nursing to research | Blog

Parallel progress through nursing to research

 Clinical Research Nurse Ronny George shares how she progressed into health research at CPFT and why it is so important for more people to participate in studies to help advance and improve healthcare for everyone.

After my higher secondary education (equivalent to A Levels), when I first joined the nursing profession in the 1980s, I was a young, wide-eyed student with curiosity and compassion. Over the decades, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth and change in healthcare, alongside my own professional and personal evolution.

Back then, even in remote settings I witnessed syringes, gloves, even catheters being carefully washed, sterilised and reused. Surgeries meant large incisions, and diagnostic procedures often involved heavy, cumbersome monitors and sticky gels smeared across the body. Fast forward to today and we now perform minimally invasive keyhole surgeries, use portable and wireless machines and benefit from countless technological advances that have made healthcare safer, faster and more effective.

As medicine advanced, so did my career. I’ve worked in diverse clinical settings across different specialties, countries, and cultures. Each role and each new experience added a new layer to my understanding and deepened my commitment to nursing. Through it all, one truth became increasingly clear: change in healthcare doesn't happen by chance… it happens because of research!

Every major improvement we've seen in medicine is rooted in evidence-based practice. Behind each innovation lies data, research, and dedicated individuals committed to better patient outcomes. Inspired by this, I felt a strong pull towards becoming a research nurse. 

My daily role as a research nurse is very varied, from serving our participants refreshments and washing cups, to processing lab samples and delivering a research project. What I like most about this job is the autonomy you get to manage the studies that you are leading on and working with a group of talented, skilled, friendly and supportive colleagues always willing to offer their help with kindness.

Research in the NHS is everyone’s business

Our NHS strongly encourages and supports research to improve patient care, outcomes, and experiences. The NHS also emphasises the importance of public involvement in research, ensuring diverse participation and addressing barriers to inclusion. One key goal outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan is to increase the number of people registering to participate in health research.

As a research nurse, I can’t advocate for research participation enough: evidence drives progress and progress needs participation. You don’t have to be a nurse or a researcher to be involved in research, it really is everyone’s business and each contribution to research counts and makes a difference. We must all play our part.

To push research forward we need greater numbers of volunteers, especially from ethnic minority backgrounds as the current data shows significant underrepresentation, which limits the relevance and accuracy of research for all populations. As a member of an ethnic minority group, this is a cause very close to my heart and I urge my peers and community members to get involved. If you or your loved ones use CPFT services, and you would like to get involved in research, please ask staff to “give the green light for research” on our SystmOne electronic patient record to register your interest in research.
CPFT staff can contact our research team to ask for help on how to do this: wru@cpft.nhs.uk.

As nurses we often serve as the first point of contact for patients, in a unique position to introduce clinical research and clearly communicate its purpose. Nurses are trained to build trust, address concerns, and support informed decision-making. Our role in research ensures that studies are not only safely and ethically conducted but also aligned with the values, needs and experiences of the individuals involved.

We all want the best possible care for ourselves, our families, and our communities. That future depends on research. It’s not just the responsibility of scientists and clinicians, it's up to all of us working in and using healthcare to support and participate.

Together, we can learn how to shape a healthier future for everyone.

Ronny George, Clinical Research Nurse

• Find out more about CPFT research studies to take part in here: https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/be-part-of-research
• Follow the steps here to help people join our research:  https://www.intranet.cpft.nhs.uk/help-people-join-our-research