Editor's Note: The following post about the past, present and future of research nursing at Massachusetts General Hospital was written by MaryAnn Weitz, MSN, FNP-BC, Alison McManus DNP, FNP-BC, Tara Bresnahan, MBA, RN, CRN-BC, Amy Doytchinov (Sabean), BSN, RN, CRN-BC, Kathryn E. Hall, DNP, MS, ANP-BC, NE-BC, Catriona Grant MSN, RN, CRN-BC and Mary E. Larkin, MS, RN, CRN-BC
November 4, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Ward 4, a dedicated 10-bed research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) whose mission was to uncover the underlying causes and develop treatments for diseases through meticulous scientific observation and analysis.
Ward 4 was housed in the historic Bulfinch Building, staffed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, researchers and nurses, and funded largely by private benefactors.
The ward was built upon the faith that if brilliant researchers were given space, resources and support, they would produce spectacular results. And they did.
Ward 4 was one of the first in the country to combine bedside patient care and research laboratory space in one location.
Early landmark discoveries on Ward 4—now known as the MGH Translational and Clinical Research Centers (TCRC)—were made possible in large part through the critical work of the nurses who worked there.
Over the years the unit has changed its name and moved to a new state-of-the art location in the White Building to accommodate the growing complexity and number of research visits.
But through all these changes, the vision has remained constant.
A century later, clinical research nurses (CRNs) remain at the forefront of advancing treatment and fostering innovation at the TCRC.
The specialty practice role of the CRN seamlessly integrates both clinical care of the patient and strict adherence to research protocols, ultimately driving scientific progress and breakthroughs in medical care.
Where Compassion Meets Innovation
MGH is recognized worldwide for its groundbreaking treatments, world-class patient care, and leading-edge research.
Behind every clinical trial and data point stands a dedicated team—investigators, navigators, advocates, caregivers, and clinical research nurses—who bring scientific discovery directly to the patient’s bedside.
The Role of the Clinical Research Nurse
Clinical research nursing occupies a unique place at the intersection of hope and healing. The role extends far beyond strict adherence to research protocols and data collection, though mastery of these elements is essential.
Whether enrolling patients in early-phase cancer trials, monitoring long-term outcomes, conducting pediatric or device studies, or implementing lifestyle modification interventions, clinical research nurses are involved at every critical stage of a clinical research project.
CRNs are the human connection within the research process, ensuring patients—referred to as “participants” in research—fully understand their options, feel supported, and receive care that is both evidence-based and deeply personalized.
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Research Nurse
For research participants, a clinical trial visit may initially resemble a routine doctor’s appointment, involving a general health assessment and documentation of vital signs.
A key distinction, however, is the CRN’s consistent and integrated role before, during, and after each visit.
CRNs review medical history, assess co-occurring health conditions and current medications, and collect real-time data during the visit. They conduct interviews about changes in health status, manage new or worsening symptoms, provide education, and triage concerns to the appropriate team members.
Throughout the entire course of a trial, the CRN remains a central point of contact for participants.
CRNs are also advocates, ensuring that studies are conducted ethically and efficiently by collaborating closely with investigators, regulatory teams, and clinical staff.
They are involved in all phases of the clinical trial lifecycle: Protocol feasibility assessments, study planning, participant recruitment, informed consent, management of study drugs and devices, protocol implementation, and data evaluation and management.
Participant safety and well-being remain at the forefront of every decision.
Importantly, CRNs excel at translating complex scientific concepts into understandable conversations for patients and caregivers.
No two days are the same. CRNs balance documentation, safety assessments, and emotional support for participants, all while keeping the clinical trial on course.
The work is demanding and complex, but it is equally rewarding—offering CRNs a front-row seat to drug development, the transformation of care for chronic diseases, and positive patient outcomes.
Becoming a Clinical Research Nurse
While there is an overlap in the knowledge base between clinical or ward nurses and CRNs, mastering the specialized practice of research nursing can take years.
In addition to the standard skills required of a registered nurse, CRNs must develop expertise in science, regulatory requirements, compliance and ethical considerations that are unique to clinical research.
New CRNs often experience challenges that can include confusion and a steep learning curve as they navigate new tasks, policy regulations, and research terminology, which is rarely taught in nursing school.
Limited mentoring availability due to the newness of the specialty practice can impact the confidence of new CRNs, making it difficult to navigate emerging ethical issues and unpredictable research scenarios.
Professional Growth and Rewards of Being A Clinical Research Nurse
Despite these challenges, research nursing offers transformative rewards. As CRNs gain experience, they become more confident in their responsibilities and increasingly contribute to research study conduct, protocol design and the advancement of the CRN role itself.
Interdisciplinary collaboration and networking in multi-center studies open doors to publication, presentations, participation on advisory boards, and other forms of professional recognition.
For those who pursue these opportunities, the result is both personal fulfillment and significant professional growth.
Support of the Clinical Research Nurse and Integration of Practice
Today, there are more than 200 clinical research nurses at MGH, supporting innovation across a broad spectrum of specialties, including neurology, oncology, medicine, psychiatry, surgery, translational medicine, infectious disease, cardiology and endocrinology.
The Munn Center for Nursing Research provides formalized support for research nurses, marking MGH’s commitment to interdisciplinary research collaboration and patient-centered care.
The creation of the MGH Clinical Research Nurse Collaborative in 2019 (formerly known as the MGH Clinical Research Nurse Steering Committee) further connected and empowered CRNs, facilitating integration within the greater hospital community.
Initiatives such as the Fireside Chat series, Journal Club, and standardized orientation for new hires demonstrate ongoing investment in CRN development and practice.
With continued support from the Munn Center, the Division of Clinical Research, and hospital and nursing leadership, the CRN role continues to expand within the academic medical center.
Ongoing access to resources, information, and professional opportunities empowers CRNs to deliver safer, more compliant research care for participants, directly benefiting both research outcomes and patient well-being.
Goals of Future Research Nursing
The remarkable work of clinical research nurses extends well beyond the walls of MGH. Future progress in the field will depend on continued collaboration, networking and education among CRNs across institutions and borders. Sharing knowledge, best practices and innovations will be essential in advancing this specialty.
Prioritizing education about research nursing for peers, students, and communities will foster professional development and contribute to the advancement of medical science.
Currently, the clinical research nursing role is underrepresented or absent in undergraduate nursing education.
The vision for the future is that research nursing will become a fully credited course requirement, making it an accessible and recognized career path for aspiring nurses.
Continuing to Push the Boundaries of Discovery
As research continues to evolve—beyond the laboratory, bedside, and clinic, and deeper into communities and across the globe—clinical research nurses remain integral as educators, advocates, and pioneers.
The future of clinical research practice shines brightly; its legacy written in the lives transformed through innovation, treatment, and compassionate care.
A century after Ward 4’s inception, clinical research nursing continues to push the boundaries of discovery and redefine the mechanisms of disease.
“Researchers were breaking new ground in defining disease mechanisms.” – Dr. John Potts, former chief of MGH’s Department of Medicine, reflecting on Ward 4
Thank You
The purpose of this blog is to provide insight into and foster a deeper appreciation for the critical role of research nursing and CRNs. It was written by MGH Clinical Research Nurses and the MGH CRN Collaborative.
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