When Rachel first considered applying for the 4Ps Programme, she knew it could be the start of something transformative. A nurse by background, Rachel had always been passionate about improving patient care, but her last formal exposure to research methodology was during her nursing degree in 1996.
“I hadn’t done anything about research or how to conduct research since,” she recalls. “I knew reconnecting would be a learning curve and potentially daunting.”
At the time, Rachel was working clinically in the lung cancer team and felt torn between her desire to pursue research and the reality of her patient care responsibilities. “I just wasn’t clear about how I could give myself to both,” she explains.
The 4Ps Programme offered clarity and confidence
“It was a really positive learning experience. The team were extremely welcoming, and everything was delivered in a way that made sense. I didn’t feel lost, which I’d been worried about.”
The programme reignited Rachel’s interest in research and helped her see how academic work could fit alongside her clinical role. “It gave me fresh insight into the wider world of research and made me think, ‘Yeah, OK, this is something I can do.’”
Beyond inspiration, the 4Ps provided practical tools
Rachel immediately applied what she learned to service improvement projects, such as designing staff questionnaires. “Before, I was floundering. After the 4Ps, I was more focused – planning better, thinking about why I was doing something and what I hoped to achieve. My projects improved, and I definitely got better outcomes.”
The impact didn’t stop there. Rachel went on to complete a master’s degree focused on workforce development, using principles from the 4Ps to structure her dissertation. She later applied for the NIHR Senior Research Leaders programme.
Although unsuccessful, Rachel didn’t give up. “It set me back a bit, but then I applied for Newcastle Hospitals’ NMAHP Researcher Development Institute Chief Nurse Fellowship, which I’m currently doing and really enjoying.”
The 4Ps helps to set the foundations
Through this fellowship, Rachel is deepening her research skills – writing protocols, planning focus groups, and refining data collection methods.
“I feel really positive about what I’m doing. I know I’ll be much more specific when I reapply for the NIHR programme. The 4Ps gave me the foundation to get it right first time.”
Looking ahead, Rachel dreams of completing a PhD. “The 4Ps kickstarted my journey toward achieving my research aspirations. As nurses, we’ve not historically led research, but it’s now one of the four pillars of practice.
We need to build capacity for nurses, midwives, and AHPs to get involved because research is where we inspire, influence, and drive change for better patient care and workforce experiences. I can think of no better place to start than Newcastle’s 4Ps.”
Find out how the 4Ps Programme could help kickstart your research journey