Celebrating R&I Nurses on International Nurses’ Day 2026

Today (Tuesday 12 May 2026) marks International Nurses’ Day (IND), which is celebrated annually on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.  

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), more than 300 clinical research nurses across eight hospitals, contribute daily to the progression of ground-breaking research, and the development of new innovations, treatments, and services for our patients and communities. 

This year’s theme is ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives’ raising awareness for the need to empower nurses with safe, fair work environments and full nursing practice, influence, and leadership.  

Reflecting on what IND means to them, a handful of our clinical research nurses across our sites and hosted infrastructure at MFT, share an insight into their roles and why they are proud to be a nurse. 

---

Amy Dawson, Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Clinical Research Nurse Manager, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital 

To me, International Nurses’ Day means recognising the compassion, skills, dedication and resilience that nurses show every day. It is about celebrating a truly special profession and recognising the huge impact nurses can have on patients and families.  
 
My role allows me to combine direct patient contact with contributing to the future of healthcare, with the aim of supporting improved treatments and outcomes for children with cancer. Being a part of this progress, whilst also supporting patients and their families, is something I find incredibly rewarding and motivating. It is a true honour to be in this role.  

I am proud to be a Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Research Nurse because I value the opportunity to advocate for, and support patients and their families. 

---

Jossy Ninan Kayappurathu, Clinical Research Nurse Manager, North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) 

International Nurses’ Day is a moment to reflect on my journey and to reconnect with my aspirations for the future. It is a day of inspiration and growth, where support, knowledge, and empowerment come together to shape the future of improvement in healthcare.  
 
Research delivery is more than a role; it is a responsibility to make a difference for the patients today and for the future generations. Being involved in interventional studies aimed at identifying the best treatments globally, has given deeper purpose to my work and a strong sense of pride. These experiences have empowered me to embrace new challenges and continue growing. 

I am proud to be a Clinical Research Nurse, contributing to evidence-based practice, better treatment options and inclusive care for all. 

---

Keith Morris, Senior Clinical Research Nurse (Agile Research Delivery Team), NIHR Northwest Regional Research Delivery Network 

Being a Clinical Research Nurse for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Northwest Regional Research Delivery Network (NW RRDN), hosted by MFT, is a rewarding occupation to be enormously proud of. One of my research highlights was working on the “Improving Black Health Outcomes” study which aimed to address inequalities in our clinical knowledge around illnesses predominantly affecting the black community.   
 
Our efforts directly shape the future of healthcare for the better and play a vital role in maintaining the ethical standards and efficacy of clinical research. It is vital that we have sufficient empowerment and staff resources to achieve this effectively. 

---

Kripa John, Senior Clinical Research Nurse, Wythenshawe Hospital and Trafford General Hospital 

This year’s IND theme resonates strongly with me as it highlights the importance of supporting and valuing nurses in every aspect of care and innovation. 
 
As a Clinical Research Nurse in Trauma and Orthopaedics, I contribute to work that directly improves patient outcomes and advances clinical practice. Through research, we are not only caring for patients today but also helping to develop safer more effective treatments for the future. Being involved in this process is both a privilege and a responsibility. 

I am proud to be a clinical research nurse because it allows me to combine compassionate patient care with scientific progress. Empowered nurses play a crucial role in driving change, and I am honoured to contribute to a profession that saves and improves lives every day. 

---

Priyanka Kakulde, Senior Clinical Research Nurse (Rheumatology), Manchester Royal Infirmary 

This year’s IND theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Saves Lives”, strongly resonates with my experience.  
 
Getting involved in research increases opportunities for nurses to take on leadership roles, drive innovation, and contribute to evidence-based care that shapes the future of healthcare. I take great pride in being a clinical research nurse, as it allows me to make a broader contribution beyond individual patient care by helping to advance treatments and clinical practices. 

---

Sandhya Eapen, Research Nurse Manager (Gynaecology), Saint Mary’s Hospital

This year’s IND theme feels very personal, as empowerment sits at the heart of my work in research nursing.   
 
Working in research, I support patients taking part in clinical trials during some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. It is a privilege to build trusting relationships with patients while helping them access new treatments and contribute to the future of care. 
 
What makes me most proud is the compassion, resilience, and professionalism of research nurses. Every day, they balance patient care, governance, and service pressures with kindness and commitment. I see colleagues going above and beyond to ensure patients feel safe, heard, and supported.  Nursing is not just what we do – it is who we are, and the impact we leave with our patients long after the workday ends.

---

Sylvia Vinay, Nurse Manager (Ophthalmology Research), Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

International Nurses’ Day reminds me why I chose this path – to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This year’s theme resonates deeply with my work in ophthalmology research. 
 
Every day, I witness how sight shapes a person’s independence, dignity, and connection to the world. When vision fades, so too can confidence and quality of life. Ophthalmology research offers something profound: HOPE. Through clinical trials, we are not simply testing treatments, we are giving people the chance to watch their grandchildren grow, to read a loved one’s letter, to navigate the world without fear. 

Research nursing brings a unique perspective to patient care. We bridge the gap between scientific innovation and compassionate support, empowering patients to become active participants in advancing medicine. Each participant who trusts us with their journey contributes to breakthroughs that will protect sight for generations to come. 

I am proud to be a clinical research nurse because I stand at the intersection of science and humanity. We don’t just save lives – we preserve the moments that make life worth living. That is the power of empowered nurses.

---

Breast Research Team, Nightingale Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital 

Within breast care services, nurses play a pivotal role in translating research evidence into clinical practice, coordinating complex care pathways, and advocating for patients throughout the diagnostic and treatment journey.  

This work is central to improving patient experience, supporting informed decision-making, and delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care now and into the future. As clinical research nurses, we are proud that our work contributes to lasting improvements in breast care beyond individual clinical encounters. Our pride is grounded in collective expertise, ethical rigour, and a strong commitment to patient advocacy and inclusivity.  
 
Through collaboration, critical inquiry, and adherence to high research standards, we translate evidence into practice and improve patient outcomes. We are proud of the values underpinning our work-compassion, professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning-shaping a stronger, evidence-based future for breast healthcare.