Job overview
We are looking for an exceptional Senior Research Nurse to join the Haematology Research Team within the Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials (OHCT) service. This post will provide clinical leadership for our rapidly expanding research portfolio and support the team in delivering high-quality research.
The successful candidate will work alongside the Team Lead. You will be responsible for identifying patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics, screening notes, reviewing consultant referrals, and participating in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings. You will participate in the informed consent process, acting as a resource and source of support for patients and their families, and coordinate the research patient pathway from screening through to trial closure, including the creation of prompts at the trial set-up stage.
Applicants must be a registered adult nurse with evidence of continuing professional development. You should have good experience in clinical research within the NHS, a strong clinical background, and a desire and willingness to learn and develop others. Essential skills include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, and the ability and initiative to work independently while managing a patient caseload across a variety of research studies.
Main duties of the job
1. Work autonomously to manage a large caseload of patients acting as a professional in ensuring a duty of care to the patient and their families.
2. Work within EU clinical trial directives in accordance with ICH GCP (International Conference on Harmonisation and Good Clinical Practice) ensuring that the clinical trial protocol is adhered to at all times.
3. Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
4. Participate in the informed consent process acting as a resource and support to patients and their families
5. Co ordinate the research patient pathway from screening through to trial closure, creation of prompts at the setup stage of the trial.
6. Ensure that adequate precautions are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection in relation to the safe disposal of body fluids including blood products.
7. Support the administration of trial drugs, be aware of and report any side effects as outlined in the protocol, in association with local nursing teams.
8. Maintain adequate patients’ records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patient’s medical and nursing notes.
Working for our organisation
OHCT sits within the Haematology Directorate, the team run and manage over 200 trials at any one time and cover all solid tumours and haematological malignancy and non-malignant diseases.
We have a dedicated team running the early phase studies and part of ECMC which is based in the clinical research facility.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
9. Work autonomously to manage a large caseload of patients acting as a professional in ensuring a duty of care to the patient and their families.
10. Work within EU clinical trial directives in accordance with ICH GCP (International Conference on Harmonisation and Good Clinical Practice) ensuring that the clinical trial protocol is adhered to at all times.
11. Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
12. Participate in the informed consent process acting as a resource and support to patients and their families
13. Co ordinate the research patient pathway from screening through to trial closure, creation of prompts at the setup stage of the trial.
14. Ensure that adequate precautions are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection in relation to the safe disposal of body fluids including blood products.
15. Support the administration of trial drugs, be aware of and report any side effects as outlined in the protocol, in association with local nursing teams.
16. Maintain adequate patients’ records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patient’s medical and nursing notes.
17. Responsible for accurate completion of Clinical Report Forms (CRFs).
18. Responsible for the collection, co-ordination and computerisation of data generated from the clinical trials.
19. Keep up to date with current practices for cannulation, phlebotomy, care of patients with Central Venous Access lines and handling and administration of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and Investigational Products IP).
20. To identify strategies for recruiting patients to clinical trials and support less experienced team members to implement those strategies
21. Act as a role model for excellence in oncology/Haematology based research.
22. Act as the keyworker for trial patients throughout their clinical trials treatments, liaising with the medical and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)team
23. Responsible for signposting/referral of trials patients to supportive care services.
24. Review trial protocols and identify risk and resource implications for the site.
25. Attend pre-study visit and review protocol at feasibility stage to map out patient’s pathway highlighting any issues and potential resolution to ensure patient’s safety.
26. Liaise with the medical team/sponsor organisation and co-ordinate the on-study treatment and follow up of patient.
27. Liaise with Clinical Trial Set Up staff and Team Lead to help assist in the set-up of trials on site.
28. Assist in completing submissions to Research & Development departments of relevant sites if applicable.
29. Process amendments and disseminate information to relevant departments.
30. Supervise the research team in the collation of data generated from clinical trials.
31. To be able to provide information to allow for invoice to be raised for payments where appropriate.
32. Build strong professional relationships with other departments in order to promote a good working environment.
33. Educate appropriate medical and nursing personnel and departments of portfolio of clinical trials.
34. Participate in the presentation of research findings within the Trust and other networks.
35. To manage clinical incidents effectively
36. To report to the Cancer Clinical Governance Team any clinical incidences and follow up to conclusion
37. Maintain a dialogue of progress with the Clinical Research Matron and the Clinical Trials Manager.
38. Attend monthly portfolio performance review meetings: identify and act on issues.
39. Provide cover when necessary for annual leave, study leave, sick leave.
40. To assist in the recruitment and selection of the research staff throughout the Trust.
41. Contribute to yearly business planning to ensure the research team is properly structured and resourced at all times
42. Take the lead in service development for the research team, directorate and the Trust
43. Develop and implement the key worker concept within the Research Team.
44. To develop and implement strategies to maintain and increase the level of patient recruitment into cancer clinical trials within GSTFT.
45. To maintain the high profile of GSTFT in line with the Cancer strategy
46. To innovate and contribute to the development of Network wide clinical and research policies and procedures.
47. To work with the team leader in ensuring that the Trust is meeting the accrual targets for both NCRN and commercial trials and to act in addressing any shortfalls.
48. To contribute in implementing strategies and systems for quality assurance.
49. Attend the training programmes and other relevant education and training days as agreed in your development plan.
50. Attend investigator meetings and conferences when required
51. Takes personal responsibility for own professional growth and keep up to date with professional development and research.
52. Prepare posters/research papers for meetings, conferences and publications.
53. Represent the research team at local and national forums
54. Participate in service development.
55. Mentor and support other members of the team
56. Participate in clinical supervision as both supervisor and supervisee in accordance with the NMC guidelines.
57. Undertake performance review at regular intervals.
58. Manage and ensure adherence to trust policies throughout the team.
59. Act up for Team Lead and Research Matron as required.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
60. You have evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills
61. Evidence of accuracy and close attention to details
62. Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a small team, as well as part of the wider multidisciplinary team in relation to clinical trials
63. You will have the dexterity and coordination needed for undertaking venepuncture, intramuscular, skin punch biopsies and accuracy required for intravenous injections, syringe pumps and infusions.
64. You will possess basic laboratory skills such as pipetting and centrifugation
65. Ability to set direction and lead a team of research professionals
Desirable criteria
66. Systemic Anti-cancer Therapies (SACT)/ Chemotherapy accreditation
67. Immediate Life Support (ILS) accreditation
Experience
Essential criteria
68. Substantial experience in clinical trials, teaching and mentoring as demonstrated by your individual portfolio (within the oncology/ haemat-oncology nursing setting)
69. In depth knowledge of clinical trials and the drug development process.
70. Substantial post registration experience in research nursing, managing own portfolio of trials
71. Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships
72. Demonstrable leadership experience
73. Experience of mentoring and developing
Desirable criteria
74. In depth understanding of research methodologies including phase I – IV clinical trials
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential criteria
75. NMC Level One Registration – RN Adult
76. ICH GCP & EU Clinical Trial Directive certificated
77. Post-registration teaching qualification ( 998 or mentorship course)
78. Evidence of continuous personal, professional and academic development
Desirable criteria
79. Relevant post registration qualification
80. Masters level qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.