Department of Research & Evaluation News

This week, Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2026), we honor all the nurses who work within the Department of Research & Evaluation, who are a vital part of our research. Here we highlight Christina Flores, LVN, who works in vaccine and infectious disease clinical trials.

What is your background?

I grew up in Highland Park, California, and began my journey in clinical trials as a data entry specialist who soon progressed to a research associate. Research nurses often encouraged me to pursue nursing school, but my excuse was that I didn’t like the sight of blood. Ten years later, though, I received my Vocational Nursing license from American Career College.  I worked at other research companies, and dabbled in urology and spine clinics, but when I saw the opportunity to use my research and nursing background at Kaiser Permanente, I knew where my path was going to lead me and I’ve been so grateful ever since!

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for nurses working in clinical trials? 

Compassion, patience, understanding, and advocating for our patients are essential qualities for nurses working in clinical trials, especially when our patients are new to research.  A genuine desire to educate patients on the purpose of our trials is essential for a successful experience for everyone.

Can you share a challenge you’ve faced as a clinical trials nurse and how you overcame it? 

It can be difficult when the procedures in research differ from those in the broader nursing field. For example, protocols may require medication preparation to be done differently than how we were taught in school or practiced elsewhere. Adjusting my habits can be challenging, so developing detailed workflows is essential to help me adapt to practices I’m not used to.

What motivates you to continue working in clinical research? 

Receiving gratitude and thanks from patients reassures me that I’m in the right place for what clinical research thrives on: a happy patient!

Is there a particular clinical trial that stands out in your memory, and why? 

I worked for the COVID vaccine trials during the pandemic, and it will always stand out to me by seeing humanity come together for a greater cause amidst global fear and vaccine hesitancy!  It was heartwarming to see our pediatric patients, and their parents come to their appointments with enthusiasm about participating in new pivotal studies.