International Nurses Day 2026 – Commercial Research Delivery Centre: Greater Manchester
The Commercial Research Delivery Centre: Greater Manchester is dedicated to accelerating and delivering high-quality commercial research across Greater Manchester, tackling health inequalities and benefiting the diverse communities it serves.
This International Nurses’ Day, we spoke to two of the CRDC’s Senior Clinical Research Nurses about how they became involved in research and what the day means to them.
Simona Serban, Senior Clinical Research Nurse, Commercial Research Delivery Centre: Greater Manchester (CRDC:GM)
International Nurses’ Day is a chance to recognise the vital role nurses play in both healthcare and research. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, reflects how research nurses contribute to long-term health improvements by supporting studies that lead to better treatments, prevention strategies, and stronger healthcare systems for everyone.
I am proud to be a Research Nurse because I can support research participants who volunteer their time to help shape the future of medicine. Their involvement is essential to research, and it is rewarding to be part of a team that ensures studies are delivered safely, professionally, and with care. Working within the CRDC:GM Team allows me to contribute to meaningful research that benefits the wider community.
Jixy Merry John, Senior Clinical Research Nurse, CRDC:GM
My journey into research began during my nursing dissertation in 2012, where I first discovered my interest in evidence-based practice. This interest grew during my master’s studies, deepening my connection to research and I moved to the UK solely to pursue a career in research. After multiple applications and three unsuccessful interviews, I secured my role as a Research Nurse in 2023. This reinforces how proud I am to be who I have become today.
To me, International Nurses’ Day is a time to reflect on the impact we have today and the future we are shaping. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the importance of investing in and supporting our profession.
As a Research Nurse, empowerment comes through knowledge and the ability to influence care through evidence. By contributing to research, I help generate the evidence that improves treatments, enhances patient safety, and ultimately saves lives. I’m proud to combine compassionate care with innovation that improves outcomes. It’s a privilege to support patients in the present while contributing to discoveries that will benefit future generations.
This theme reminds me that empowered nurses don’t just care for the future—they persist, grow, and help create it. We don’t just respond to change—we lead it, shaping a safer and more effective future for all.
