My Experience On Research Placement

'Overall, from this experience, I have gained a more comprehensive understanding of the research process which has not only improved how I engage with research at an academic level, but also how I use research to influence my practice.'

As a Student Nurse, Luisa decided to dedicate her placement to research: understanding just how important research is in the area of nursing, learning the value of engagement and how it can directly influence practice.

Exploring Nursing Through Research

At the end of second year, my course offered the opportunity to choose our own placement.

We were expected to make contact with our desired placement area, complete a risk assessment and identify how it would benefit our learning and practice.

I decided that I wanted to explore nursing from a different perspective to conventional, bedside roles.

For this reason, I chose to spend time with a research cluster at my university.

Time To Value Research

As nursing students, we know research is important.

We are taught to practice in line with the best available evidence.

We spend hours on databases searching for literature to support our work.

However, this placement offered a fresh perspective on the value of research and provided me with a more developed understanding of the process. 

Choosing An Area Of Research That Interested Me

Firstly, my elective supervisor and I arranged to meet virtually.

Following a discussion of our interests, we discovered some commonalities; namely, inequalities in the context of cancer.

My supervisor identified projects and opportunities that aligned with my interests and invited me to relevant meetings, whilst I began setting some goals and objectives for myself. Since COVID-19, my supervisor explained that most meetings took place online.

I had no experience working from home so I spent some time setting up a workspace. 

Witnessing The Robustness Of Process

Throughout my placement, I was fortunate enough to observe the research process, almost in its entirety.

I sat in on grant applications, ethics committee meetings, logistical discussions with international collaborators, data analyses, the writing process and subsequent publication and presentation of works.

One of the most interesting meetings I observed was a thematic analysis.

After collecting a large amount of qualitative data, the researchers worked collaboratively to organise and make sense of the information, assigning themes which could be used to spot trends and explore implications for practice.

In this meeting, there were some interesting discussions on qualitative research as a whole; how to code in a way that maximises its robustness and impact.

Hands On Experience Leading to Analysis

Although this placement was largely observational in nature, I did gain hands-on experience.

My supervisor encouraged me to participate and ask questions, and I used each meeting as an opportunity to identify an area for independent study.

After reading various proposals, I wrote a mini literature review which allowed me to practice searching for and analysing work to identify a problem and why it is important.  

Learning How Research Translates In To Improved Clinical Practices

Alongside meetings, I was also invited to attend various seminars.

These seminars taught me about prominent issues in the nursing profession and the current evidence-base.

This allowed me to really bridge the gap between theory and practice as I listened to how these issues are explored and how this translates to improving clinical procedures and Nurse education. 

Extending An Interest As A PHD Student

Finally, I attended a lunch whereby I had the opportunity to talk to current PhD students and learn more about the process of applying for the programme.

It was interesting to hear about their projects and what stages they were each at.

The PhD students provided helpful advice for my final year of study, including how to choose a dissertation topic and critically engage with a wide body of research.

The Value Gained From My Research Placement

Overall, from this experience, I have gained a more comprehensive understanding of the research process which has not only improved how I engage with research at an academic level, but also how I use research to influence my practice.

This opportunity also allowed me to explore my own goals for the future, including the idea of furthering my education.

In a broader sense, working on projects related to inequality alerted me to the sheer disparity in health outcomes between different groups. 

It reminded me of my responsibility as a student Nurse to address these inequalities in my day-to-day practice: being a strong patient advocate and continuing to educate myself on these issues.

Take The Opportunity

I would recommend undertaking a research elective to any students who are given the opportunity.

It inspired me to set goals for the future and I connected with many people engaging in important and interesting projects that I would not have otherwise connected with.

I believe my relationship with research has changed, and research itself has become something I understand the importance of and hope to one day contribute to.