I love my job, but I also was feeling ready for some new challenges and further development. One of my colleagues had taken part in the Chief Nurse Research Fellowship programme and moved into more research-focused work. She was really inspiring - research seemed really interesting, and I’ve always enjoyed studying and learning.

I initially applied for the Insights Masters programme but wasn’t eligible, and that led me to join a mailing list. From there I found out about NIHR internships and then applied to get onto the Chief Nurse Research Fellowship. It was a bit of a journey, but I think if you don’t apply, you just don’t know. It was a good way to test whether this was what I wanted to do!

My project looks at communication device loans within the Trust. As speech and language therapists, we can loan out communication devices to support or replace someone’s speech, but currently they are only loaned for six months.

As a team, we’ve felt for a long time that this can be difficult, because some people need the devices for longer. The research looks at what actually happens to those loans by reviewing two years of loan data and understanding the outcomes.

Ultimately, this is a first step towards a bigger project, with the aim of potentially changing the service. It also looks at the ethical challenges, because this equipment is someone’s voice - it’s not a “nice to have”. Asking people to self-fund after six months, especially in areas with deprivation or in rural and coastal communities, raises important questions.

One of the challenges is that research can feel quite different to clinical work. It’s not always straightforward, and you’re working things out step by step.

Another challenge is understanding how to take something that feels like a known issue within a team and turn it into something you can evidence and present to make a case for change. The programme helped with that, and having people to ask questions and talk things through made a big difference.

Also, building connections with others doing research was really important, as it helped to share ideas and feel less isolated.

There has been so much support. Maggie, Helen, Becky and everyone involved in the programme have been amazing - reviewing work, giving feedback, and helping talk through next steps.

The programme also exposed me to other people’s journeys across the Trust, which you wouldn’t normally see, and that was really inspiring. Hearing from others and seeing what’s possible, especially as an allied health professional, has been hugely important.

There’s also been a really warm and welcoming atmosphere, people are open to connections and happy to answer questions, which makes a big difference.

I’ve applied for another NIHR internship and should hear back in July, so fingers crossed. That would support further study and help build on what I’ve started.

I’ve also been really inspired by quality improvement work, so I plan to keep developing those skills and take on projects within my team. Even if I’m not successful this time, I’ll keep building experience and apply again.

Overall, it’s about continuing to develop my skills and stay involved in research.

I would say embrace the opportunity, just do it. It’s so supportive, and you end up with a really tangible piece of work that you can be proud of.

You’re never left to work things out on your own. If you’re unsure about something, you can ask, and there’s always support there. The process is really well supported from start to finish.

You also get the chance to work on something that really matters to your team, and that can make a real difference. It’s a brilliant opportunity, and I would really recommend it.