Celebrating Nurses Week: Get to Know the Remarkable Nurses of Illingworth Research Group!

Welcome to our blog, where nurses from Illingworth Research Group (IRG) shared their inspiring stories about this rewarding profession and making a difference in healthcare. As we honor National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and International Nurses Day (12th May), join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions nurses make globally. From personal reflections to impactful experiences, our nurses offer insights into the vital role they play in patient care and nursing practice.

1. How does National Nurses Week (May 6-12) resonate with you on a personal level, especially this year's theme, “Nurses Make the Difference”??

-As a nurse with over 30 years of experience, nursing is part of my DNA. Nurses develop in-depth relationships with patients and are trusted with the most intimate parts of a person’s life from birth to death. We are there for the moments that matter. Christina Cullinane, Corporate Research Nurse and Clinical Research Coordinator

-Nurses Week prompts me to reflect on our impact in healthcare. This year's theme, 'Nurses Make the Difference,' resonates with the essence of our profession, emphasizing how we contribute not only to health outcomes but also to the overall quality of life for patients. Alessandro Tomassoni, Research Nurse

-Personally, as a nurse and midwife, I had the opportunity of working with a varied group of patients, and I can truly say that it is a very rewarding profession. In my current role as a research nurse at Illingworth, I feel very grateful for being able to be part of patients' journey, being by their side in the hope of a new treatment, and being able to facilitate 1 to 1 care in the comfort of their own homes. Laura Carbonell, Corporate Research Nurse

2. Can you share a specific experience where you felt you made a significant difference in a patient's life through your work at IRG??

-I work on a study with early Alzheimer’s patients, performing infusion visits in the comfort of their homes. One of my patients wanted to go fishing on a scheduled infusion day. I worked with our team and the site to accommodate a change in schedule, so they could have a special, quality moment with family and friends and still receive their infusion. They and their family were incredibly upbeat and animated during the infusion, relaying stories about the day’s catch and time spent together. Christina

-Despite joining recently, my time at Illingworth has shown me that even small actions can have a significant impact on patients' lives. I believe that the accumulation of small gestures can lead to meaningful transformations in patients' well-being and quality of life. Alessandro

-On my name day, my patient’s mother offered me a handmade sweet, expressing to me with tears how grateful she was to me for looking after her son. Dimitra Tsimpouki, Research Nurse

3. What aspects of being a Clinical Research Nurse at IRG do you find most fulfilling or rewarding, especially in terms of impacting patient care on a global scale??

-I’ve had the honor of working on new therapies that have made it to the market and are making a difference in patients' lives worldwide. It is so fulfilling to bring potential new and life-changing therapies directly to patients where they live. Our global team looks ahead and sees hope on the horizon. Christina

-The aspect of my role that brings me the most satisfaction is its potential to impact patient care on a global scale, extending beyond mere survival to enriching the quality of life for individuals across diverse communities and demographics. Alessandro

-Being an IRG nurse is very rewarding as you contribute to decongest busy hospitals by decentralizing clinical trials, improving patient satisfaction by being able to provide 1 to 1 care and flexibility in their clinical research appointments, and being part of a team that promotes visibility of rare conditions and works on the development of new treatments and improvement of current treatments. Consequently, this helps improve whole society's health as not only the patients suffer but also their families, caregivers, and friends. Laura

4. What sets IRG apart in terms of its approach to clinical research nursing, and how does this positively impact the lives of patients participating in research studies??

-At IRG, our approach to clinical research nursing is centered around innovation and patient-centric care, with a primary focus on improving the quality of life for research participants. Alessandro

-Before working for IRG, I was unaware that in-home research nursing existed. Clinical research has many barriers for patients to overcome in order to participate in a trial. What we do at IRG removes the big barrier of travel to a trial site. Most patients live hours and even multiple states away from the site. If we were not there, many of these patients could not participate in the trial. Christina

-IRG is a leading company in the field of research by providing new trial medicines with safety. For this purpose, IRG uses certified nurses all over the world. Patients are the subject matter of the company, and IRG is focused on offering what is best for patients. Dimitra

-The approach of taking the research to patients' homes means the world to them, especially those that are unable to leave home by themselves. For research, it is an advantage to be able to immerse in the patient’s environment, as you can see their day-to-day lives. Greidys Hernandez Perez, Corporate Research Nurse?

-IRG sets a difference in its exceptional work culture. IRG aims for skilled, well-trained, and kind workers which ultimately impacts patient care. IRG nurtures its workers by recognizing the value of their work and facilitates it by providing continuous training for development, equipment, and consumables among other facilities, so nurses can offer their patients flexibility in their appointments and adjust to each situation to provide individual and excellent 1 to 1 care. Laura

5. Being a Research Nurse at IRG, how do you perceive the significance of International Nurses Day (12th May)??

-International Nurses Day is significant as an opportunity to recognize nurses' contributions to healthcare globally and reaffirm our commitment to excellence. Alessandro

-We have a brilliant team of nurses worldwide and are fortunate to have opportunities to meet regularly through the technology we use daily. We are privileged to enjoy the perspective of nurses in the same region and on the opposite side of the world and establish relationships that benefit all of us and our patients. I am proud of the diversity of our international nursing team and the highly skilled and quality care that we bring to our patients. Differing perspectives and cultures help us expand our views, skills, and knowledge. Together, nurses do everything better. Christina

6. In celebrating Nurses Week and International Nurses Day, what message would you like to convey to your fellow nurses regarding the crucial role of nurses in enhancing patient care and nursing practice globally??

-Throughout Nurses Week, International Nurses Day, and every other day, we represent the backbone of the healthcare system around the world. Our responsibility and care for the patients, kindness, and dedication make a significant impact on their lives as well as their families. Greidys

-On International Nurses Day, it's important to acknowledge the critical role nurses play in enhancing patient care and nursing practice worldwide. Let's continue to advocate for evidence-based care and professional development. Alessandro

-If you are looking for something more in your nursing profession that is closer to what you expected at the completion of your studies, you should consider working as a research nurse where nursing practice is in alignment with international rules to enhance patient safety and care. Dimitra

- Keep up the good work of putting our patients at the center of the healthcare system and providing holistic, individualized care to improve the health outcomes of society. It doesn't matter where nurses come from or where they perform their duties, as there is a place for a nurse in every aspect of a person's health-illness journey, making a difference. Laura

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We invite you to join us in celebration of National Nurses Week and International Nurses Day and honor nurses in your community!

If our nurses have sparked your interest and you're considering joining the ranks of individuals who are making a real difference in healthcare, we encourage you to explore the latest career opportunities at Illingworth Research Group: https://illingworthresearch.com/careers/ .??