We all gathered, either in person or online, at the Allia Future Business Centre in Cambridge for this Autumn RCN Eastern Region learning event, with the focus for the day on research, innovation and managing change.

The inclement weather and traffic caused a delay in the arrival of both delegates and speakers, therefore an alteration to running proceedings was required, but it certainly didn’t dampen spirits and the pursuit of learning.

Marianne McFadden, UK organiser from the RCN Activism Academy, led the charge with inspirational experiences of activism on the frontline as part of managing change for the betterment of nursing staff and service users alike. It was exciting to see our leaders from the Activism Academy from their grassroots origin to aid understanding on the RCNs activism agenda in a broader context.

Next was Paul Morris, RCN Eastern and East Midlands Regional Director, who acknowledged that sometimes we can get stuck on the Kübler-Ross change curve, and that our emotions can inhibit us from moving forward. It was reassuring to learn that sometimes the change we may implement as a result of our research doesn’t fit our place of work. While this can be demotivating, with the correct mindset of innovation, we can readdress and find a new way forward. Paul’s presentation was uplifting and left delegates with the quote - “What starts today can change the world” - ringing in their ears for motivation.

The main speakers were Dr Ada Hui, RCN Head of Research, and Professor Claire Whitehouse, Clinical Director for research and developement at the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH), along with guest speaker Clive Ellis, advanced paediatric nurse practitioner. They held in-depth discussions on research and their career development, which led them to undertake research and lead on studies, as well as giving examples and outcomes of research they had been actively involved in.

Of particular interest, was how we can be actively involved in research within our place of work. It's simply about awareness in supporting use of evidence in decision making, alongside facilitation of contributing to an environment which fosters research.  Finally it's about Leadership by understanding and leading a positive research culture. You too can be a researcher without even realising it.

What was curious about their session was how as registered nurses, they had anticipated resistance to their involvement from medical or other allied health care professional colleagues. However, the resistance surprisingly came from fellow registered nurses. As Clive remarked in his part of the session: “Research isn’t always something set aside from practice. It’s embedded in good practice.”

The RCN is currently developing a research hub which will be open to both members and non-members of the RCN. On this platform there will be the opportunity to network, partner for studies and act as participants in studies too. Find out more on the website.