Job overview
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is one of the world’s leading cancer research centres. We work in partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research to produce high quality basic research, translational studies and clinical trials with the aim of developing better treatments for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.
As a result of unit expansion and portfolio development an exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 6 research nurse, within the haematology research department to work across our Sutton and Chelsea branches.
This is a pivotal role and you will be part of a multidisciplinary team including experienced medical and research staff, taking part in an exciting range of clinical research studies. Ideally with previous clinical research experience, you will work within the guidelines and policies for the conduct of clinical trials, ensuring high standards of practice in accordance with the principles of GCP.
You will be required to work as a self directed practitioner and have the skills to motivate others. You should also have:
1. Flexible approach to your duties
2. Ability to work both as part of the team and independently.
3. Excellent communication, administrative and IT skills
4. Be supportive and open to new initiatives.
As a highly valued member of the MDT, we encourage continuous professional development. You will also have the opportunity to attend a number of overseas scientific meetings. We can also consider flexible working arrangements if required.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to work independently, with support of the lead/senior research nurses in the Haemato-Oncology research team and has a key role to play in the day to- day running of clinical trials within the Trust.
These trials may be related to anti-cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, gene therapy or surgery), symptom management or some other aspect of cancer care, such as screening. Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial. Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, you will support patients participating in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate. Critical to the role is maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of data derived from the research studies. You will be involved in ensuring that any research undertaken within the department safeguards patient wellbeing and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research.
You will support more junior research nurses, assisting them to develop their clinical research skills thorough education and training. Further responsibility will include monitoring and raising the standard of nursing input within the team. The opportunity to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Lead Nurse Clinical Trials, is also encouraged.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• To co-ordinate arrangements required for patients undergoing specialist investigations as part of the research protocol.
• To assess the patient prior to trial treatment, monitor the patient receiving trial treatment and follow the patient up on completion of trial treatment as required by the protocol.
• To collect and accurately record data in accordance with the requirements of the trial protocol.
• To safeguard the integrity of the trial by ensuring compliance with ICH GCP guidelines.
• To disseminate research data by preparing and presenting posters or research papers for presentation at meetings, conferences and publication.
• To assist the medical team in the assessment of patients/volunteers and monitoring their condition throughout their participation in the clinical trial.
• To ensure the safe administration of all treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical trial.
• To educate and update staff working in the clinical area or research team about current and forthcoming clinical trials, including treatment administration, potential side effects, and monitoring required.
• To take responsibility for developing and sustaining their own knowledge, clinical skills, and professional awareness in accordance with P.R.E.P in areas such as current advances in cancer treatments, research and nursing practice and to use this knowledge to maintain the highest standard of care for patients with cancer.
• To work closely with the Senior Research Nurse, to ensure that best practice is achieved.
• Have knowledge and understanding of Haemato-Oncology diseases and their treatment modalities.
• To undertake pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic sampling as required and process the samples as per protocol and be prepared to undertake this sampling out of hours and at weekends as the protocol dictates.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Desirable criteria
5. Recognised cancer nursing qualification
6. Research methods education
Experience
Desirable criteria
7. Experience as a research nurse/senior staff nurse working in a clinical research environment
8. Previous experience in clinical specialty of haematology
9. Personal and leadership management experience
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. NMC registration
11. Post registration experience in cancer care
12. BSc/MSc or studying at relevant level
13. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Experience
Essential criteria
14. Experience as a research nurse/senior staff nurse in oncology nursing
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Essential criteria
15. Able to work unsupervised
16. Computer literate in Microsoft outlook, office, word, excel and PowerPoint
17. Excellent organisational and time management skills
18. Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships
19. Ability to work under pressure to meet service and patient priories
Other
Essential criteria
20. Ability to work on both sites of the trust as required
21. Flexibility to meet the needs of the service (e.g. shift work)
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.