Background Traditionally, Research Nurses were supporting clinical trials (Bevans, Hastings, Wehrlen, et al. Clin Trans Sci. 2011;4(6):421–7; American Nurses Association. Clinical research nursing: scope and standards of practice. ANA & IACRN; 2016). More recently, the role has extended into other research areas, e.g. social care (Biswell, Clark, Tinelli, et al. J Clin Nurs. 2021; 00:1–9). In our organization, Research Nurse responsibilities evolved further into research culture development, building research collaborations and leading grant-funded research projects.

Aim To demonstrate the unique and complex role of the Research Nurse within a hospice and the potential for replication in other settings.

Methods Specific examples of key outcomes of the role are shared to illustrate the role of Research Nurses within a hospice.

Results An innovative model was introduced in 2016 where a Research Nurse, embedded within the clinical team, works alongside an academic research mentor. Five Research Nurses are now appointed across the UK. Key outcomes of this model are:

1. Facilitating staff engagement with evidence use and generation at the hospices, and development of a research culture.

2. Providing a bridge between practice and research to ensure research is important for, and feasible for practice.

3. Supporting staff with academic assignments, producing posters for conferences, and disseminating research findings.

4. Successfully supporting recruitment to research projects (n=663 research participants over last 12 months).

5. Developing and leading research projects, supported by academic mentors.

The main challenges are engaging busy practitioners in research, managing various responsibilities and collaborations, while developing academic skills. The authors highlight ongoing support of an academic mentor, developing a Research Nurses’ support network, having constant visible presence in the hospice and accessing learning and development opportunities, as the main factors in overcoming the above challenges.

Conclusion The Research Nurse, supported by an academic mentor, can develop knowledge of research methodologies grounded in clinical practice. The role is well placed to bridge the gap between research and practice. This extended role could be replicated in other settings to improve research activity and engagement.