Title : The power of our voice: Strengthening clinical research nurse identity through story, leadership and innovation – A Sydney perspective
Abstract:
Across many health systems, clinical nursing roles are experiencing increasing pressure from workforce shortages, expanding responsibilities and growing concerns about the erosion of professional identity. Clinical Research Nurses are particularly vulnerable in this landscape. Their contribution to research and patient care is substantial, yet their roles can be poorly understood, inconsistently supported and at times overshadowed by operational demands within clinical trials. In this context, the importance of nursing advocacy for our roles, our scope, our identity and our wellbeing has never been clearer. While the circumstances differ across countries, the shared lesson is unmistakable. Strong nursing identity requires deliberate cultivation, leadership and a unified voice. This presentation introduces an innovative approach that places Nurse advocacy at its centre through two complementary innovations: the ACE Pathway, Advancing Career and Education Pathway for Clinical Research Nurses and Midwives, and Weathering Blue, a narrative game that is currently in development about burnout and renewal in nursing. The ACE Pathway establishes a structured and transparent framework for capability, orientation and progression. It addresses longstanding gaps in role clarity and professional development, supporting nurses to articulate their contributions and advocate for the value they bring to research. Early implementation has strengthened confidence, consistency and cross site connection among Clinical Research Nurses in Sydney Local Health District. Weathering Blue, while not an educational tool, deepens this advocacy through storytelling. By exploring burnout, boundaries and the inner landscape of nursing through art and sound, it gives voice to experiences that are often left unspoken. It invites audiences to recognise the emotional labour of nursing and promotes cultures where wellbeing and identity are protected rather than assumed. Together, these innovations demonstrate how community led leadership, narrative and structured support can reinforce Nursing identity at a time when the profession is seeking stronger visibility and cohesion. This presentation discusses that advocacy grounded in clarity, community and creativity is essential for sustaining nursing roles and ensuring that the unique contribution of Clinical Research Nurses remains recognised and protected within modern research environments.
