A newly qualified nurse has become the first nurse in the region to join a research team straight from university instead of going for the traditional nursing route.
Middlesbrough native Joseph Nicholson always had a passion for nursing and a curiosity to venture into the world of research.
Following the completion of his nursing degree in 2023, he was determined to utilise his passion and curiosity to give back to his local community.
After scrolling through countless opportunities and job openings, the 26-year-old applied for the role of clinical research nurse at the Tees Valley Research Alliance, part of North Tees and South Tees Hospitals’ alliance.
However, this was not easy for Joseph, who was fresh from university, as nurses opting to go into research possess years of clinical experience.
Although this isn’t essential to apply for any research roles, it is considered highly desirable by interviewers.
He said: “I knew this was quite a unique opportunity and I was surprised when I found out that I was the first newly qualified nurse to enter research in the region.
“Research is a vital part of nursing and is a big part of the future of the NHS. So, I was shocked to learn that research isn’t a route that has evolved into incorporating newly qualified nurses.”
Talking about his research, he added:
My research is focused on trauma and orthopaedic services. In research, the patient is at the centre of everything we do. One of the fundamental aims of research is to look at the gaps of evidence that currently exist in patient care and treatments to seek ways that we can improve patient care via evidence-based trials.”
Joe believes research is essential healthcare and all nursing practice has the underpinning of research.
It was initially daunting for him to undertake a non-traditional route into nursing so early in his career, but this did not deter him and he currently enjoys his work.
Research team lead Kerry Colling said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Joe being the first regional newly qualified nurse within the research delivery workforce. Joe has brought a richness to the team and I’m looking forward to see his career reach new heights.”