The clinical research nurse (CRN) plays a tripartite role in the research society, serving both as an expert nurse, a member of the scientific group that conducts the study and as a supporter of the research participants that guarantees that the informed consent process extends through the study (Hastings et al., 2012). Asking people to take the weight of research and risk exposure for the benefit of others creates a fundamental ethical tension and ethical obligations in clinical research.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens details. To access full-text: click “Log in/Register” (top right hand side). Click ‘Institutional Login’ then select 'OpenAthens Federation', then ‘NHS England’. Enter your Athens details to view the article.