Purpose Research nurses hold a unique role at the intersection between clinical care and research practice. Reflecting on the professional identity formation of research nurses can give insight into their role in multidisciplinary vascular care settings, to advance patient outcomes and inform clinical decision-making. Drawing on my professional transition from a new-graduate registered nurse to the first vascular research nurse at our tertiary center, this paper aims to describe how core clinical competencies can be adapted to a research context. Methodology Using a structured reflective approach, I explore my transition from bedside nursing to research practice and the skills I developed to conduct research with complex patient populations. Results My research role shares similarities to bedside nursing. I provide patient-centered care, address concerns, and reinforce participant health literacy and understanding. Core skills are shared, like open communication with the research team and clinical assessment. I developed new skills in patient screening, recruitment, informed consent, and clinical trial coordination through courses and mentoring. I have more variety than patient-facing work, as I manage and collect research data, monitor study compliance, and develop operating protocols. I faced challenges recruiting patients with multiple chronic conditions and learned strategies to navigate issues of eligibility, engagement, and retention. Supporting patients in vascular trials made me appreciate how relational research nursing is. Patients with PAD and other comorbidities require time and reassurance due to their complex medical histories. This taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and communication. Conclusion Research nursing bridges clinical care and research practice, improving patient engagement and research quality through reflective, evidence-informed practice. This means that vascular research competency can develop in newly graduated nurses.