Research nurse Colin aims to improve knowledge and skills

National Institute for Health Research Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (NIHR SRMRC) Research Nurse Colin Bergin is going back to school to boost his knowledge and skills.

Colin has signed up for the Birmingham Health Partners Clinical Academic Internship Programme (CAIP) and will undertake six months of studies alongside his day job with the SRMRC trauma research team.

The programme is aimed at non-doctors who are interested in research and are looking for experience and education on setting up their own research project.

It gives participants exposure to a broad range of research roles whilst undertaking a structured academic programme of learning.

Hosted by the neighbouring University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham (UoB) the course gives access to the wide range of educational facilities that both organisations provide.

Benefits include enrolment onto the UoB online Masters-level module in Project Management and Research Governance, with the option for accreditation, as well as one-to-one mentorship from a clinical academic supervisor throughout the programme.

Colin said: “I have been working in research for nearly two years now and felt that I wanted to consolidate and improve my existing knowledge of all areas of research.

“As a nurse with a lot of experience, I see the vital role that research plays and the programme will help me improve my own skills in this key role.

“I see research as something that all nurses should be involved in to help improve patient care, which should be at the crux of every nurse’s agenda.”