Our Research Nurse in at St George’s Hospital, London, is Hellen. You can read more about Hellen here:
How would you describe your role to someone you’ve just met?
I’m a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research nurse. My role involves supporting patients to take part in clinical research while ensuring their safety, dignity, and wellbeing are always prioritised. I co-ordinate studies, collect data, and work closely with doctors and multi-disciplinary teams to help improve treatments and ultimately find better outcomes for people living with MND.
What does your typical working day look like?
My day usually involves a mix of patient-facing and administrative work. I review study protocols, screen and recruit eligible patient and support them through study visits. This may include taking samples, completing assessments, and documenting data accurately in research systems. I also liaise with consultants, sponsors, and the wider team, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage study documentation such as site files and delegation logs.
What made you want to become a nurse?
I’ve always been passionate about caring for others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Nursing allows me to combine compassion with clinical knowledge, and I find it incredibly rewarding to support patients through difficult times and contribute positively to their care.
What attracted you to your current role?
I was particularly drawn to this role because it combines clinical care with research. Working in MND is meaningful because it is a complex condition with limited treatment options, so being involved in research gives me the opportunity to contribute to advancements that could improve patients’ lives in the future.
Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive senior nurses and consultants who encouraged my development, especially in research. Their mentorship helped me build confidence, take on leadership responsibilities, and develop a strong understanding of clinical research.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy building relationships with patients and supporting them through their research journey. I also find it fulfilling to know that the work I do contributes to future treatments and scientific progress.
What’s been the stand-out moment in your career so far?
A key moment was when I independently managed multiple research studies during a period without a manager. It challenged me to take ownership, improve my organisational skills, and strengthened my confidence in leading research activities.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I aim to continue developing within research, particularly in neurology, and to take on more leadership responsibilities. I’m also interested in contributing to study design and improving patient access to clinical trials.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted a job like yours?
I would advise gaining strong clinical experience first, then developing an understanding of research through courses like Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Be organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about patient care, as research requires both compassion and precision.