Gemma Brown
The first Assistant Practitioner (AP) to become a Research Nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s Clinical Research Centre says she is delighted with her career choice.
Gemma Brown, 30, grew up in London and moved to Blackpool when she was 18 to be a dancer at Pontins.
However, when Gemma moved to the resort she took on a job at a care home in Cleveleys and then became a Healthcare Assistant in Dermatology at Clifton Hospital.
Gemma went on to become the first AP in the Research and Development Department and has recently qualified as a Nurse having completed her BSc (Hons) in Pre-registration Nursing (Adult) at the University of Central Lancashire.
Gemma is coming back to R&D and is being supported in her newly qualified role to develop her nursing skills by being seconded into the Emergency Department where she will start the Trust’s Preceptorship programme over the next six months.
Gemma said: “I am excited to be back in research and am looking the challenge of working in the Emergency Department.
“After my time in the ED, I am looking forward to being a Research Nurse in the Acute Medicine Cluster, which will include research in A&E, Stroke, the Women and Children’s department, Microbiology and Anaesthetics.
“Research can make a big difference to patients – I really love research for that reason.
“From simple questionnaires asking patients how they found their treatment and seeing if we can improve our care, to complex clinical trials testing new drugs in areas such as oncology and haematology, it does make a difference.
“I am very grateful to have been seconded to be allowed to do my nurse training and I am looking forward to working as a Research Nurse.”
Michelle Stephens, Manager of the Research and Development Department, said: “We are very proud of Gemma who has worked so hard to complete her nurse training and to graduate with an honours degree.
“I am sure her time in the Emergency Department will help her develop her nursing skills and we look forward to having her back as a new Research Nurse in April 2018.”