Nurse Research Lead in south London urges others to join the NIHR
A south London Senior Nurse Research Lead is encouraging other nurses to consider a career in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Carrie-Ann Black works at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust as a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Research and Implementation Nurse Lead.
The NIHR 70@70 Senior Nurse Research Lead believes research plays an essential role in helping clinicians to deliver high quality patient care. Carrie said:
“I believe that being involved in research makes me a better nurse. The core of being a mental health nurse is the desire to make a positive difference to the lives of the people and communities I serve, and being research active is integral to me in achieving that aim.
“Nurses should explore the wide range of research specialties that are out there. It is the ‘why’ question that fascinates me. I am proud to undertake research that grapples with these challenging yet important questions as part of our pursuit to deliver high quality, evidence-based care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of research. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London has been critical in supporting the health care system’s response to the outbreak both at a local and national level. The network is such an incredible resource for those interested in being involved in clinical research, whether as a patient, service user or healthcare professional.”
The NIHR is the largest funder of health and care research in England and the organisation provides the people, facilities and technology that enables research to thrive.
CRN South London’s Workforce Development Lead Nhlanhla Mguni said: “Many healthcare professionals say they find the experience of being involved in research studies positive and rewarding.
“As a network, we are proud to play our part in supporting the nursing profession in improving patient care, and I’d echo Carrie’s call for other nurses to consider a career in research with the NIHR.”
Visit the NIHR’s ‘Your path in research’ website, which is designed to offer a number of ways for healthcare professionals to get involved in research, for more information.
