Paediatric research nurse — Chelsea Oliphant

Four years after graduating, Chelsea is working as a paediatric research nurse at a Children's Clinical Research Facility

How did you get your research job?

I spent time in the research facility as part of the NHS Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards, as one of the first cohort of award recipients on an award called First Steps into Research.

This provided me with funding for 12 days of study leave in which I was given the opportunity to gain experience within both clinical and academic research settings.

During these study days, I spent time at the Children's Clinical Research Facility and really enjoyed the work. Not long after this, a post was advertised in the department, and I applied and was successful.

How is your degree relevant to your role?

I studied child health nursing at Edinburgh Napier University and my degree is relevant to every aspect of this job. You must be a registered nurse to do this role, so without my degree I would be unable to do it.

What's a typical working day involve as a paediatric research nurse?

We see patients from a range of specialties who are taking part in clinical trials. This can involve gaining consent, completing questionnaires, medication administration and dispensing, patient observations, blood testing and other samples.

We liaise closely with other departments within the hospital and help to ensure studies run safely and effectively. We often see patients for multiple visits over several years, allowing us to build close working relationships with children and their families.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

This role is very different to my first nursing post on a surgical ward. I still have a lot to learn in my current role and would like to progress to become a senior paediatric research nurse.

I enjoy working within research and would love to progress further in this field. After completing the Clinical Academic Research Gateway Award, I would also consider a clinical academic career in the future.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There is lots of variety within my job and since starting  the role I have had the opportunity to learn a lot. This job is great for continuing professional development and I have been on several courses already.

I enjoy working on studies that could lead to positive changes in patient care and service delivery.

What are the most challenging parts?

Patient safety is probably the most important and challenging part of the job. Often within clinical trials we may not know what medication is being given to patients, so we must be on alert and ready to respond appropriately. We do regular emergency scenario training to keep our skills up to date.

We often have multiple studies running at a time, so it can be challenging to balance the workload and prioritise which studies come first.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this type of healthcare job?

Try to get a range of experience. Most people are happy to help, so reach out and consider work experience somewhere new.

Be prepared to work a variety of shift patterns, as days, nights, weekends and holiday working is common in most fields of nursing.

Nursing is not always easy and often very challenging - physically, emotionally and mentally. But it is a role that is as equally rewarding as it is challenging. Looking after yourself is one of the most important things you can do.

Find out more

• Read all about being a children's nurse.
• Take a look at the healthcare sector.