Job overview
The Lead Research Nurse is a senior member of the Research and Development Team with overall responsibility for research support provided by the research nurses, clinical trials practitioners and pharmacy trials staff. This includes:
* Responsible for managing and providing effective senior professional leadership for all research nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). To include developing individuals and practice through effective recruitment, appraisal, continual professional development, discipline, therefore ensuring the provision of a safe and evidence based service to all research participants.
* Responsible for the delivery of commercial and non-commercial research to time and target at the Trust; including robust feasibility, quick set-up, proactive study performance management to monitor progress of all commercial studies and support sponsors and sites to ensure studies are delivered to time and recruitment target.
* Management and work planning of nursing and AHP Workforce, recruitment, appraisal, training, sickness/absence and expenses.
* Responsible for contributing to the R&D Group meetings and attendance at other relevant Trust-wide meetings, as appropriate.
Main duties of the job
* To be responsible for the management of nursing aspects of clinical research studies, including provision of robust feasibility reviews for studies involving patient consent.
* Jointly responsible, with the Head of RD&I, for the delivery of research to time and target.
* Responsible for providing professional, managerial and development liaison for research health professionals between wards and departments.
* Responsible for carrying out workforce planning to scope potential models for research nurse and research-AHP management across the Trust and use this information to inform longer-term planning.
* Responsible for service development and research strategy implementation, as directed by the Head of RD&I.
* To manage the clinical research support team. This is to include the team working to a defined set of competencies, with access to relevant training and for maintenance of training records for relevant staff.
* To ensure that all risks relating to the role are dealt with or escalated in accordance to Trust policy to ensure legal compliance, patient safety and data integrity.
* To deputise for the Head of RD&I as required.
* Act as provider of nursing expertise and to ensure Trust-wide compliance for research nurses with statutory responsibilities and requirements of the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).
* Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures and guidelines in support of evidence based practice and expansion of the scope of professional practice with regards to implementing the Trust Research Strategy.
* Ensure robust local induction into the Trust for a new research nursing and AHP staff.
* Ensure that all research activity carried out by research nurses is performed according to ICH GCP guidelines, NMC code and UK Policy Framework for research and Health and Social Care; and all other legislation and guidance relating to clinical trials, including the Trust’s Standard operating Procedures and Internal Guidance.
* Ensure that Adverse events/Serious Adverse Events (AE/SAE) are reported according to Trust SoPs and Research Protocols and that lessons are learnt, practice changed and sustained. This includes the use of the Trust’s Datix system to capture and report on risk events.
* Ensure patients/carers are provided with written information relevant to the research study and are given the opportunity to discuss the research study or clinical trial adequately at the out outside and during the course of the research or clinical trial in which they ae being asked to participate (i.e., informed consent).
* To ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs and therapeutic substances in accordance with legal requirements and in line with Standard Operating Procedures and Trust Policy to ensure all staff adhere to these standards.
* Support patients in making an informed treatment choice by providing specialist knowledge in relation to the disease process, treatment options and treatment side effects.
* Maintain high standards of care by personal example and conduct and to be a credible practitioner in the area.
* Act as a resource to other staff in the provision of on-going advice and support relating to effective informed consent, care of the patient during the clinical trial and adverse events.
* Maintain a strong and current working knowledge of relevant developments regarding clinical research delivery, regulation and governance.
* Maintain up to date knowledge of all guidelines and legislation relevant to role and to support the development of policies and internal guidance.
* Work together with lead researchers in the region to support the implementation of relevant NIHR initiatives.
* Encourage and support nursing and associate staff in undertaking research projects.
* Promote professional development of nurses and associated staff by the use of research based practice.
* Make contact and maintain relationships with other research nurse groups within the region, developing mutually beneficial working practices.
* Responsible for the delivery of the Trust’s R&D Strategy in relation to areas of responsibility.
* Act as Budget Manager within delegated limits.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wavea national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for the full job details.