Student Research Technician Review

As part of my role I worked on the wards with study volunteers, I helped to collect blood, urine and sputum samples, performed lung function tests such as spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide and oscillometry. I also took medical history and asked questions to the volunteers about their illness and how that affects their day to day life. In the office I helped to perform phone calls to check on the wellbeing of volunteers who had undergone a research bronchoscopy, to help recruit new volunteers, and to confirm volunteers were still able to attend and run through study restrictions with them. I also helped to input data collected onto the database and took part in fortnightly staff meetings.

Clinical skills including : venipuncture, sputum induction, skin testing, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide testing, obtaining informed consent. Other skills I learnt and developed include data entry, data analysis, team work, communication.

After training I was allowed to conduct study visits with volunteers alone, I also helped to train new staff.

I was given a lot of support. I was designated a specific mentor who trained me on the ward and in office tasks, and I had progress review meetings with both the mentor and my supervisor. Other staff were also happy to help out if my mentor was not available.

I felt happy and comfortable whilst at work.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and would happily work for the company in the future.

Yes

I would advise them to do some research into the company and have a basic understanding of the health conditions they are currently researching. I would also advise that they have past experience in working with others (e.g. retail or volunteering).