Claire completed the Queensland Health Intensive Care Graduate Transition Program in 2022 and it was in the Redcliffe ICU that her passion for evidence-based practice was nurtured and she was encouraged to pursue clinical research.
In her role as a Clinical Research Nurse, Claire actively contributes to ongoing projects, embodying a commitment to evidence-based practice. She cherishes the opportunity to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of Queensland’s children through clinically impactful research.
Simultaneously, Claire is channelling this enthusiasm into an honours thesis at the University of Queensland focussed on the intricate care dynamics for patients with mental health disorders admitted to the ICU.
Claire’s dual role enhances her understanding of patient needs at the bedside and facilitates the translation of research findings into practical applications within the dynamic ICU setting, while her ongoing honours thesis is a tangible manifestation of the practical application of research to improve patient outcomes.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic there were two respiratory patients who were admitted to ICU for long periods, including one patient who was in a negative pressure isolation room for four months. It was a big task. There was a lot of love and effort put into caring for each of these patients, and the highlight of my career so far was getting those two patients home, and then when they came to see us a couple of months later when they were out and about. Having those human connections with patients and seeing the patients who were sick get home and get better is why I became so involved in research - because I want every patient to get home and get better.”