1. i If you would like to find out more about the SRNCN please visit our website at: www.srncn.scot.nhs.uk BackgroundIntroduction Network DevelopmentsNetwork aims Claire Harris, Gordon Hill, Juliet MacArthur, Eileen McCafferty, Juliet Johnston, Deborah Callister and Lesley Peebles The SRNCN was established in 2005, and provides a forum for research nurses and co-ordinators to share expertise and knowledge. The network has in excess of 280 members and our website has had over 25,000 ‘hits’ from all over the world. The network has a steering group made up of members from key centres around Scotland. The steering group maintains the SRNCN website, plans and co-ordinates the on-going development of the network and leads the development of the SRNCN annual conference. Research Nurses have long been viewed as being little more than data collectors for the medical staff who employ them (Hill and MacArthur 2006). However, in reality, many possess a high degree of knowledge and skills in many aspects of the research process. Indeed, it has been argued that their role is often comparable to that of a clinical nurse specialist in their field of research (Raja-Jones 2002). Despite this, many research nurses and co-ordinators lack the support they require and have little or no training prior to starting in their role (Hill and MacArthur 2006). To address this problem, the SRNCN was established to support Research Nurses and study site co-ordinators working throughout Scotland. The SRNCN has provided a focus for training available for this group and has allowed information relating to support mechanisms to be shared. The network has held National Conferences in 2006 and 2007. SRNCN 2010 conference will be held in Dundee in December. The SRNCN has also raised the profile of research nurses and was awarded £30,000 in 2009 from the Scottish Academic Health Sciences Collaboration. Funding has allowed the appointment of a P/T Network facilitator, and will lead to the formation of a database of members, survey of members, support for annual conference, update of SRNCN website, creation of small project grants application. This network has had undoubted success and will provide a model for the establishment of similar networks outwith Scotland References Hill G & MacArthur J (2006) Professional issues associated with the role of the research nurse. Nursing Standard 20 (39) p41-47 Raja-Jones H (2002) Role Boundaries: research nurse or clinical nurse specialist? A literature review. Journal of Clinical Nursing 11 (4) 415-420 Scottish Executive (2007) Capacity and capability for nursing & midwifery research in Scotland: Report of a scoping exercise conducted towards the end of 2006. Scottish Executive, Edinburgh The aim of the network is to share information relating to how we all work including providing information on training and education, clinical trial regulations, support mechanisms and new job opportunities. The SRNCN also raises the profile of its members by responding to /involvement in a range of Consultations: Scottish Government scoping report on Nursing and Midwifery Research (Tierney 2007) Report on the Role of the Nurse or Midwife in Medical-led Clinical Research –Republic of Ireland (2008) RCN Scotland Policy position paper on the nursing contribution to health and social care research (2009-2010) UK developments EU Clinical Trials Directive Consultation Contribution to UK and European consultations Scottish Research Nurse and Co-ordinators Network ‘ A resource for clinical research nurses, co-ordinators, data managers and others working in the field of clinical research.’