On a daily basis, I facilitate the smooth running of the unit, ensuring that all the research participants and staff are safe, equipment and materials are working and ready to go and that the environment is health-and-safety compliant.
I also meet and welcome the day’s research participants, to help them feel comfortable and orientated.
This will be followed by going through the study procedures, which may include cannulation or venepuncture, sample collection and processing at different time points, safe handling and administration of novel drug treatments and measuring patient vital signs before, during and after treatment.
I’ll also record and document any adverse events experienced by patients. Overall, I provide high standards and continuity of care for participants during the research study while maintaining lines of communication with clinical staff.
The role is in effect a vital link connecting the research study team, the CCRC and research participants. As research nurse I provide relevant information and advice for holistic support where necessary and refer to the multi-disciplinary team where appropriate.