Research nurses are integral to early-phase clinical trials, but structured career development pathways for early-career research nurses remain limited. In May 2023, to support retention, competency growth and readiness for leadership, the National Institute for Health and Care Research Liverpool Clinical Research Facility implemented a structured development pathway from band 5 to band 6 research nurse. The pathway was evaluated using routinely collected data concerning six band 5 research nurses enrolled onto the pathway between May 2023 and December 2024. All participants completed early-phase competency requirements and reported increased confidence and enhanced motivation. They identified delays in competency feedback as barriers. Retention at 12 months was 83%, with two nurses going on to lead phase I trials under supervision and two progressing to a band 6 role. The pathway offers a structured and replicable model to support career progression, enhance retention and develop leadership capacity among research nurses.