Why undertake a clinical academic internship? A novice researcher's reflection.

Background: This article offers a reflection by a novice researcher undertaking an integrated clinical academic internship with the National Institute for Health Research and Health Education England. Aim: To offer insight into research internships, and demonstrate the benefits and challenges encountered. Discussion: Exposure to research while remaining in clinical practice gives nurses the opportunity to increase their knowledge, develop research skills and network. Associated challenges include feeling like a novice, balancing the demands of clinical practice and research, and the development of new skills. Conclusion: Internship programmes can create health systems in which practitioners also undertake research but there are associated challenges. Implications for practice: Research internships offer nurses insight and exposure to a world of research that may previously have been invisible to them; they can act as a platform for nurses to develop clinical academic careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]