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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM NURSING AND MIDWIFERY →

Research Nurse

Research Nurses help run medical trials and studies. They work with patients who are taking part in a trial, make sure the study is done properly and safely, and collect the information doctors and scientists need to find out if a new treatment works.

Research Nurse

6

Nursing and Midwifery

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY6
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST54%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (6), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a Research Nurse, you are part of the team that tests whether new medicines and treatments actually work. You work in hospitals, clinics, or research centres, and you spend time with patients who have signed up for a trial. You explain what the trial is, what they can expect, answer their questions, and make sure they understand what they are agreeing to.

Your daily work includes checking how patients are getting on with the trial treatment, collecting blood samples or other information, writing down what you see and hear, and sharing that data with the doctors and researchers. You need to be organised and careful - mistakes in paperwork can mess up months of research. You also need to be kind and patient with people who may be worried or unwell. You work as part of a bigger team with doctors, scientists, and other nurses, all focused on making sure the trial is safe and gives reliable results.

Daily responsibilities

  • Recruit and screen participants for clinical trials, ensuring they meet eligibility criteria.
  • Administer treatments and monitor patients' responses, collecting vital data for research purposes.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, scientists, and regulatory bodies.
  • Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of patient data and trial progress.
  • Educate participants about the trial process, potential risks, and benefits, ensuring informed consent.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of study protocols and procedures.
  • Conduct follow-up visits and assessments to ensure participant safety and data integrity.
  • Stay updated on regulatory guidelines and best practices in clinical research.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in nursing provides candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the NHS framework, clinical practices, and ethical standards, all of which are crucial for a successful career as a Research Nurse. UK universities also offer strong links with healthcare institutions, enhancing employability and networking opportunities.