Job overview
* Are you an amazing nurse with a passion for cancer research?
* Or are you looking for an entry post into health research ?
* Is it time for a new challenge in your career?
Answer yes to any of these questions and this could be the post for you.
The role works closely with a wide range of disciplines, to support patients access good quality research.
You will spend some days in clinic supporting patients face to face but also a significant period of time office based. The office time is spent ensuring accurate data is collected and establishing new NIHR studies within our Trust. Confidence using IT systems is essential, as well as compassion & excellent communication skills, which are paramount.
We are the first point of call for patients on cancer research trials and no 2 days are the same. Our current areas of activity are:
* breast
* gynae
* colorectal
* head & neck
* lung
* and urology cancers.
This post will be focused primarily on breast cancer studies but all team members provide cross cover support for colleagues, particularly urology.
You will be a registered nurse with current NMC registration, with proven, relevant experience post-registration experience in cancer.
An understanding of the clinical research process would be an advantage but if not, these posts will initially be offered at Band 5 to allow training and development and then progress to a band 6 role; or if relevant past clinical research skills can be demonstrated these posts will be offered at Band 6.
Main duties of the job
Please note that this is a training post if Band 5 *
The Research Development and Innovation Department works closely with Trust based clinicians, university, NHS and industry partners to assess a trial’s feasibility, initiate set-up and conduct high quality clinical research. This gives the local population of East Lancashire the opportunity to take part in research studies associated with their clinical conditions and the care and services they receive.
You will be responsible for ensuring that clinical trials and research studies are undertaken following Nursing and Midwifery council guidelines and as per Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP).The post holder will be required to support all the aspects of a study protocol, with supervision and agreed competencies, assist study lead nurse and members of the multidisciplinary team in delivering agreed protocols to time and targets.
You will also be required to work independently undertaking nursing care activities and perform interventions within clinical trials specific protocols.
We support a varied mix of simple data collection studies and complex drug research studies. The successful post holder will be supported in building up to lead the breast cancer portfolio. Cross-cover of the wider cancer portfolio is required of all team members.
Working for our organisation
This post will be based within the cancer research team, supporting research studies within oncology as well as patients with cancer having surgery.
You will be working as part of our small, friendly team (ten staff), responsible for identifying, recruiting and supporting patients throughout their oncology and research pathway.
The main base for this post is negotiable, dependent on the successful candidate's clinical background. The breast cancer services require equal support at Burnley and Blackburn so the oncology research offices are based within both sites.
Flexibility is also required to provide cross cover, dependent on the needs of our patients.
Most of the research activity is undertaken Monday to Friday within normal clinic hours, however clinic/research activity times may also vary and early starts (8am onwards) or late finishes (after 5pm) may be required to accommodate studies involving morning theatre lists & late running clinics. This will always be on a planned basis & a flexible working policy is in place.
Our team ethos is to maximise the potential of our own, individual skills. We support each other to be the best we can be. Every member of our team is of equal importance and we welcome new ideas. Our focus is always on providing the best possible care for cancer patients in East Lancashire.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description.
Supporting cancer patients to be offered high quality cancer studies and clinical activities relating to this.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Possess an understanding of research process and the application of research in the clinical governance agenda within NHS / Partner organisations
Desirable criteria
* Ability to integrate nursing knowledge and skills with the research aspects of the job.
Skills
Essential criteria
* Well developed interpersonal and communication skills
* Interested in cancer research
* Well motivated and enthusiastic to contribute to studies development
* Competent in standard PC packages such as Outlook, Excel, Word
* Good time management and organisational skills
Desirable criteria
* Advanced clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture, cannulation)
Experience
Essential criteria
* Relevant experience of cancer care/oncology at Band 5 or above
* Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable criteria
* Prior clinical research experience
* Experience to work on own initiative
* Experience of supervising staff/students
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Registered General Nurse / Registered Nurse Adult (1st Level) with current valid NMC registration
* Evidence of continuous professional development at band 5
Desirable criteria
* International Conference on Harmonisation, Good Clinical Practice Training
* Post Registration Oncology Courses
* ENB 998 or equivalent
Other
Essential criteria
* Flexibility in approach over working hours and cover across hospitals to meet the service needs