A research nurse’s aim to advance innovative projects that have real world applications
For Research Nurse, Sofia Portatadino a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move to Australia led to her discovering a passion for working in a preclinical environment.
Sofia Portatadino CCRG Research Nurse (Italy)
“Before I relocated to Australia in 2021, I was working as a Registered Nurse specialising in neonatal and pediatric care at the ASST dei Sette Laghi in Italy, where I had been for almost a decade,” says Sofia.
The move from Italy and joining the group has proven to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for Sofia as she takes full advantage of working with people from some many different nationalities in her role as Research Assistant.
Her role as Research Assistant is multifaceted and complex, supporting all studies in the Preclinical Innovative Medical and Engineering Laboratory (PRIMELab) and at our Medical Engineering Research Facility (MERF).
“From managing consumables to developing and updating standard operating procedures to training new staff to use the microdialysis machine, every day is different as we prepare for experiments and support the scientists and surgeons,” explains Sofia.
“On the day of a study, the lab has a great atmosphere with anaesthesiologists, surgeons, surgical technicians and assistants, radiographers, and cardiologists all working side by side to ensure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.”
“You must consider CCRG if you are interested in intensive care research and want to develop and advance innovative projects that have real world applications. ”
Sofia believes the work CCRG undertakes has huge potential to benefit critically ill patients and change clinical practice.
“Working at CCRG has exposed me to a lot of unique professional development opportunities. For example, working in preclinical operating theatres possibilities – this really surprised me because after a decade of working on the ward, I had never had the opportunity to step into an operating theatre. It is extremely rewarding to be able to apply my nursing skills to research and to work in a large group with people from varied backgrounds, nationalities, and professions… a tremendous opportunity that is allowing me to expand my skillset and progress my career.”
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CCRG Fellows programme now open
Learn more about unique ways to advance your research career with the Critical Care Research Group. From Estonia to Kenya, Italy to Japan, our Fellows come from all corners of the globe with enthusiasm, dedication, and integrity as we look at ways to advance clinical understanding of critical illness.
Interested in joining us? Read more and apply below.