LAUSR

My role as Motor and Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic in Edinburgh is unique in Scotland and brings with it a very strong perspective that straddles both clinical nursing and clinical research nursing. During a recent interview for a Clinical Research Nurse post, with a clinical nurse applying, one of the questions was ‘ What are the fundamental differences between a clinical nurse and a clinical research nurse (CRN)? ’ Both applicant and interviewer agreed that what drives nursing is care, compassion and safety of our patients. This is the nursing holy grail. Interestingly, the applicant felt that by taking on a CRN role this would enhance her clinical skills by giving depth and broaden of her knowledge.Immediately, this paper that aims to capture the value and core concepts of the CRN role evoked deep emotions within me. The paper takes us into the world of Jody. Jody, fi rst and foremost, is a nurse, dedicated and driven to care for people, and in her opinion, her second role is that of a Clinical Research Nurse. Jody is adamant that as a CRN she adds value to the ‘ standard of care ’ . Weaving through some great examples of the trials and tribulations of being a CRN, Jody desperately wants colleagues not to see her as a nuisance, but as an ally. Jody works hard to demonstrate that she will work above and beyond to prevent adding work to already overstretched ward staff. For those of us in research nursing, these examples are daily occurrences. On a daily basis, we fi nd ourselves advocating and justifying one of the most historical aspects of nursing – that being research. I even should research. The echo so many times of