Have you considered the NIHR Internship Scheme?

The NIHR Internship Scheme offers an excellent opportunity for clinical staff to develop research awareness and skills that support research activity in their clinical area. This is exactly what Sonnet Shaji, a Band 5 Registered Nurse, did last year. Sonnet now works in a mixed role involving both research at the Clinical Research Facility at the Quadram Institute and clinical service in the Emergency Department.

Sonnet arrived at NNUH as an International Nurse in February 2020, just as the pandemic began. In 2024, her curiosity about research studies conducted in the ED led her to request some experience via the staff bank. She completed Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training online and, with the support of ED Research Nurse Laura Lee, successfully applied for the NIHR Internship Scheme. The internship, which ran alongside her regular role over a three-month period, gave her hands-on experience of the full clinical trial process — including maintaining accurate records and understanding informed consent.

Reflecting on her experience, Sonnet said: “I was very well supported by my department which is actively engaged in clinical research. The NIHR Internship Scheme has opened my eyes to what is possible and how much more I can develop and contribute in my nursing role. I am very grateful for the support received and I strongly recommend the scheme to all colleagues who are thinking about applying.”

Felicia Rowe