Research nurse recognised for pioneering critical care research

Jade Cole, Critical Care Research and Development Lead at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, was named runner-up for the Registered Nurse - Adult Award at The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales Nurse of the Year Awards.

This is a recognition of Jade’s contribution to patient care and her pioneering role in critical care research, both in Wales and globally.

With over 20 years in critical care nursing, Jade has significantly advanced research practice across her health board. She exemplifies the vision statement for her team - “Research matters; patients matter”.

Jade said: “Research nursing is such a vital and impactful role and I’m pleased to see it being recognised. The work we do doesn’t just affect the patient in front of us, it has the potential to help countless patients around the world through global trials.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jade was the only member of her team allowed to enter the intensive care unit to conduct research trials. Her work contributed to determining the survival benefits of specific treatments for COVID-19 patients, directly impacting patient outcomes at a critical time.

Jade has facilitated ground-breaking research that has led to life-saving treatments. Her work into the treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has been featured in a BBC report and published in top medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine.

She added: “Research ensures we are giving the best possible treatments that can save lives and improve outcomes. It’s about providing patients with the best chance of survival and getting them home, as healthy as or even better than before.

“Every day, we’re working to make sure that the treatments we offer are the quickest and most effective and that those in desperate need get the care they deserve.”

Dr Richard Hellyar, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at Cardiff University, who nominated Jade for the award, said: “Jade is an inspirational nurse and a driving force in pioneering critical care research. She has earned the British Empire Medal, and her work was considered so vital. Yet, she remains humble, kind, caring and professional. She has inspired the next generation of nurses, with students saying, ‘I want to be a research nurse because of her.’ She’s truly deserving of this award.”

Jade takes great pride in inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals, including nurses and medics, to pursue careers in research. Her achievement supports the objectives of the PRIORITY project, aimed at increasing capacity and capability for doing and using research among nurses, midwives and the 13 allied health professions.

Jayne Goodwin, National Head of Research Delivery for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals, and co-lead on the PRIORITY project added: “This recognition is a testament to Jade's exceptional contribution to patient care and her pioneering work in critical care research. Her dedication to research nursing and the health and wellbeing of patients embodies the very essence of our profession.”

The PRIORITY project is now entering its final phase with Citizens Jury workshops in the new year. We're inviting nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in Wales to reflect on findings and recommend actions for the plan.

RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the nursing community and their positive influence on best nursing practice, improving the care given to individuals and communities in Wales. 

Find out more about the Awards.