A day within the lifetime of…a nurse involved in clinical and academic research

In the second blog of our “day in the life…” series, Maria Drummond (@mdrumm88), Clinical Research Specialist at ENRICH Scotland and PhD student in Nursing and Healthcare on the University of Glasgow talks about her current role and experiences on the tutorial clinical nurse pathway.

(1) What is your position and fundamental role/responsibilities?
I’m a Senior Clinical Research Specialist at ENRICH Scotland. ENRICH Scotland, established in 2021, is a network of care home staff, residents and researchers from a spread of disciplines who aim to facilitate the design and delivery of research to enhance the standard of life, treatment and care of care home residents and is co-chaired by Dr Emma Law and Dr. Susie Shenkin. ENRICH Scotland currently has two fundamental lines of business; the primary is a network of “research-ready” nursing homes; and the second is a research forum bringing together scientists, researchers, students and professionals who’re curious about or currently conducting research on nursing homes. I’m the one person on the team who works on this full-time, so my role is a mix of national coordinator and team leader of (soon to be) 4 clinical trial specialists. Ultimately, we would like to enhance research in care homes by sharing knowledge and opinions to enhance the standard of life of individuals living in care homes.

(2) How did you get into your current role/field of labor?
I actually have only been on this position since May, previously I worked as a district nurse for nearly ten years (previously I used to be a nurse in a nursing home). Since October 2017, I actually have also been following a clinical academic path, completing my PhD on the University of Glasgow. My PhD research is expounded to understanding and improving support for carers of individuals with life-limiting illnesses in Glasgow. This was an NHSGG&C funded scholarship and provided a implausible opportunity for skilled, academic and private development, but was not actually a part of any skilled masterplan.

My interest in research was sparked while studying advanced practice in district nursing. Although I had decided to take a break from university after qualifying as a district nurse, I discovered myself at a slightly confusing crossroads. I used to be a really experienced community nurse, but a novice district nurse and independent prescriber, so I used to be overwhelmed by the extent of responsibility that awaited me as a district nurse. Fortunately, through research and refinement of my evidence-based practice, I used to be in a position to construct confidence. This ultimately led me to choose that I desired to proceed developing these areas of interest through a more formal process.

(3) Can you tell us what a typical day is like in your role/industry?
The ENRICH Scotland team are based across Scotland, so I currently work mainly from home, but visit the team in Dundee and Edinburgh when needed. The job could be very flexible and I keep my very own diary. I like to start out the week with an extended to-do list, add to it because the week goes on, and work so long as needed to get the whole lot done. So far, I’ve been working longer hours firstly of the week just in case something unexpected happens with childcare or the pandemic. I often start early within the morning, right after I drop my son off at nursery. I’m very depending on my electronic diary and like to start out the day by reviewing any meetings, writing a brief agenda of what I need to cover in them and checking my email. Then there are often meetings.

The fundamental research project we’re currently working on is PROTECT-CH, a drug trial related to the management of Covid-19 epidemics in nursing homes. It could be very vital that there’s a plan in place if/when Covid-19 outbreaks occur on this environment, so it is actually vital to be involved on this really vital and exciting study. As one in all the coordinators of the Scottish a part of the study, I attend regular meetings to debate logistics and the role of the research nurse inside them.

Because I’m generally tasked with improving nursing home research processes, I also spend a while contacting and meeting with researchers and nursing home staff curious about nursing home research. I also enjoy writing, and fortuitously there’s rather a lot to put in writing about our policies and documentation, in addition to finding opportunities (like this one!) to put in writing about and promote our work. I’ll start working on any such work after the meetings. It’s great to finish the day with just a few ticks in your to-do list.

(4) What parts of your role would you describe because the “best” or most satisfying?
As an early-career researcher, probably the most enjoyable a part of my role is learning about all of the really interesting research being done in care homes by reading publications and meeting researchers. I’m also captivated with closing data gaps and helping marginalized groups have higher access to research. Care home residents, staff and their friends and families are vital parts of our communities, but have historically been neglected in research. So probably the most rewarding thing about my job is that I can play a small role in solving this problem.

(5) What advice would you give to others who would really like to follow an analogous path?
Keep an open mind and become involved in any research or quality improvement projects going down in your area. If you’re studying at postgraduate level, connect with others who’ve done similar things and construct solid support amongst your peers. I guarantee that by participating in research or QI, your job will change into far more interesting, and the more people you meet, the more opportunities you’ll have.

Maria is a Clinical Research Nurse working as a Senior Clinical Research Specialist at ENRICH Scotland (@EnrichScotland). Maria is currently working on the PROTECT-CH trial (@ProtectTrial) and is in the ultimate stages of a PhD in Nursing and Healthcare on the University of Glasgow (@UofGNurse, @UofGMVLS).

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