Alice Harin, Research Nurse
Nursing is about making a difference to patients, being their advocate and supporting them throughout their “journey”. Here is a testimony from one of my patients:
“It certainly has been a journey, and honestly Alice I am so glad I signed up for the trials because it has been great having your support, I don't know if I would have felt quite so positive if I felt alone on this journey!”
Susan Morris, Clinical Research Nurse
There are lots of care stories that could be shared within the framework of #BestofNursing. Reflecting on my own personal experiences over the last few years, it is hard to select just one snapshot of care.
As research Nurses we have such a diverse role, we are not just recruiting patients or managing trials. Research nursing is an autonomous, challenging role, which blends science and care, so that patients can either manage their disease symptoms with trial drugs or be part of the greater good for future research and new treatments.
We strive to be non-judgemental, compassionate and ensure we deliver a high standard of care, I have seen examples of this throughout the COVID pandemic. We were challenged with different opinions on vaccination and treatments from the media, and my colleagues kept focused and recognised patient’s individual opinions and needs.
I am proud to be a Research nurse. #BestofNursing.
‘Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses… we must be learning all of our lives’
Florence Nightingale
Gail Lang, Research Manager
Kassim Javaid, Sue Davis, Shauna Masters and Pam Lovegrove
I would like to recognise Shauna Masters and Pam Lovegrove for the brilliant nursing care given over a four year study of burosumab in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH; an inherited disease where the body doesn't maintain phosphorus and that leads to softening of bones). Working with Associate Professor Kassim Javaid, Shauna and Pam supported our patient Sue Davis enabling her to be part of the study, a huge commitment on her part, with regular complex study visits and multiple investigations. This has meant she has improved her quality of life and contributed to this novel new treatment being approved in the US and presently in children in the UK.