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Case study: Your Path in Research - Javier Magán

Javier Magán, a Research Nurse at the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex

In this interview, we speak to Javier Magán, a Research Nurse at the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex, about his current role and tips for others looking to make research a part of their career. 

I currently work as one of the Research Nurses within the Clinical Delivery Team (CDT) at CRN Wessex,” explains Javier. 

“Within this role, we provide delivery support and lead research studies in different health and care settings across the region, including primary and secondary care, care homes and even dentistry schools. 

“Additionally, this role offers lots of possibilities to participate in delivering teaching and training to colleagues, and has a strong component of critical thinking to continue improving the service.

“This means that there is not a typical day. Some days I am at GP practices delivering specific studies and talking to participants, whereas others I am providing training sessions or planning and coordinating the best ways to pragmatically deliver a study within our region.

“From my previous clinical background as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse, I have experienced first hand the impact of improved treatments to patients and their families. 

“Research is the tool that we have to continue improving knowledge and the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that we have. It allows us to deliver the most up-to-date care for the benefits of patients and the health of the nation. This role offers me the opportunity to contribute towards this goal.

“As an ICU nurse, I saw how research benefited patients and their families. Since then, I have always understood research as one of the cornerstones to deliver the best available care to patients and wanted to add my contribution to it.

“There are plenty of opportunities for others looking to build a career in research,” adds Javier. “From supporting the delivery of studies within your ward or healthcare setting, to the coordination of studies on the CRN portfolio

“I would recommend that anyone interested in finding out more about a career in research gets in contact with the research team at their organisation or their local CRN.

“While some people may find that the pace is different to what they may be used to in other clinical settings, with the knowledge that they are driving advances in healthcare, I’m sure they'll find a career in research as rewarding as I do.”

Find out how the NIHR can help you add research to your career by visiting nihr.ac.uk/yourpath. You can also discover research career opportunities in the Wessex region, by visiting the CRN Wessex careers page.