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.