When I first identified my interest in exploring parental uncertainty in managing food allergies, I wasn’t sure how to take the next step.
My manager encouraged me to speak with Dr Linda Tinkler, Trust Lead for NMAHPs Research, who introduced me to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Pre-doctoral Clinical Academic and Practitioner (PCAF) and explained what a competitive application would require.
One key recommendation was to attend the 4Ps Researcher Development Programme – and that decision changed everything.
Supportive, structured environment
Although I had some research experience from my nursing degree and a master’s completed over a decade ago, I felt disconnected from the research world. The 4Ps programme reintroduced me to that environment in a way that was supportive, structured, and confidence-building.
I loved the breakdown of Person, Project, Place, and Plan – it helped me understand not only the technical aspects of research but also the importance of people and partnerships. I discovered experts within the Trust I hadn’t known about and connected with peers at different stages of their research journey.
Hearing their stories, including the bumps along the way, reassured me that challenges are normal and surmountable.
The programme gave me clarity on why a NIHR PCAF application takes time and how to structure it effectively. My first application wasn’t successful, but revisiting the 4Ps resources helped me understand why and gave me the resilience to try again.
That second attempt succeeded – thanks to the networking and mentorship the programme facilitated. Linda has been my mentor throughout the PCAF and NIHR Doctoral Fellowship application, and her guidance and support has been invaluable.
Connections through networking and mentorship
Through these connections, I secured academic supervision from Professor Jane Coad (Professor in Children and Family Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham) and Professor Joseph Manning (Professor of Nursing and Child Health, School of Healthcare, University of Leicester).
Jane, Joseph and Linda’s advice, support and guidance has been invaluable enabling to complete an MA in Research Methods including a dissertation on parental uncertainty in food allergy management.
Qualitative interviews highlighted many parents hesitate to administer adrenaline during anaphylaxis – a finding supported by national and international evidence. This finding is now informing a research proposal aimed at improving parental decision-making and developing resources to support families.
Confidence and sense of belonging
The 4Ps programme didn’t just help me achieve my research goals – it gave me confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging in the research community.
It opened doors I never imagined, especially later in my career, and allowed me to share my journey with others through the PCAF community. I’m proud to show that research is possible for children’s nurses and that it starts with a simple question.
For anyone considering research, the 4Ps is a gentle, psychologically safe stepping stone. It makes research real, accessible, and part of everyday practice.
For me personally it was more than a programme – it was a gift that changed my professional world and, ultimately, will improve care for patients and families.
Find out what the 4Ps Programme could do for you