From intern to neonatal nurse and researcher: Daniela Total’s academic journey

The SHPS Summer Internship: a launchpad into research

The SHPS internship turned out to be a pivotal experience for Daniela. Over the course of the summer, she and her fellow interns, all from ethnic minority backgrounds, received a comprehensive introduction to research. “It was like a ‘research for dummies’ course,” Daniela says. “We were presented with a short but thorough overview of research, which gave me useful insight into the research sphere.”

The internship also offered Daniela a glimpse of the supportive research community at City St George’s. “The staff were kind and made us feel like part of their respective teams. At the end, they even threw us a party to celebrate our achievements. The team were the kind of people you aspire to be,” she recalls fondly. It was during this internship that Daniela first learned about the MRes programme, planting the seed for her future in research.

From internship to In2Research

Motivated by her experience at City St George’s, Daniela pursued further opportunities to develop her research skills. She applied for the In2Research internship, a year-long programme designed to provide students from ethnic minority groups with hands-on research experience. “The SHPS internship was fantastic, but I wanted to continue my self-development in this area,” she says.

The In2Research internship provided Daniela with broader exposure to the world of research. She participated in workshops led by experienced academics, worked alongside a sleep researcher, and even honed her communication skills by engaging with young participants at a sleep and mental health workshop. “It built on everything I learned during the SHPS internship and gave me the confidence to take on my own projects,” Daniela explains.

Balancing clinical practice and research

Now a neonatal nurse at Barts, Daniela balances her clinical responsibilities with her research interests, thanks to the NIHR INSIGHT studentship. The studentship not only funds her MRes but also provides her with the flexibility to split her time between work and study. “I work one to two days a week and spend the rest of my time studying and participating in fun activities,” she says.

For Daniela, the connection between research and clinical practice is clear. “Evidence-based practice is key in healthcare, especially with vulnerable populations like neonates. Our babies can’t easily communicate their needs, so it’s crucial that we do the research to ensure the best outcomes for them,” she explains. Daniela’s MRes will equip her with the skills that will help her improve neonatal health outcomes and contribute to the quality of care in her unit.

Advice for future researchers

Reflecting on her journey, Daniela has some valuable advice for students looking to pursue research alongside clinical training. “I would suggest outlining goals for task prioritisation. If you’re interested in a specific field, focus on attending relevant conferences and workshops. It’s also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and sleep.”

She adds, “As my mum always says, give it a go, do your best, and have fun while it lasts—and after!”