Job overview
A secondment opportunity at Band 6 level for an experienced nurse to join the Research Nursing Team at the National Institute for Health Research UCLH Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The team provides specialist nursing care to patients participating in early‑phase clinical trials of experimental cancer and medicine treatments, including First‑in‑Human medicines and early‑phase therapies across oncology, haematology, neurology, medicine and vaccine studies.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work in line with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and relevant guidelines, coordinating and supporting clinical trials within the CRF. Key responsibilities include:
* Coordinate patient care on trials, collect and prepare biological samples, administer experimental agents and monitor side effects.
* Provide patient and carer education and act as patient advocate.
* Communicate with drug companies and study sponsors, ensuring accurate data collection and submission.
* Deputise for Senior Research Nurses when absent and support development of new CRF team members.
* Adhere to core working hours (09:00–17:00) with occasional evening, night or weekend work.
Detailed responsibilities
* Maintain health, safety and security of self and others and ensure adherence to local and national policies.
* Promote equity, diversity and rights in clinical practice.
* Develop personal knowledge within the speciality and research field.
* Organise diagnostic tests and provide interventional therapy for trial protocols.
* Stay competent in emergency treatment measures and trust protocols (e.g., anaphylaxis).
* Refer to health professionals when required.
* Support patients’ care and wellbeing, addressing concerns and promoting wishes.
* Monitor and review effectiveness of interventions, adjusting as necessary.
* Assist with assessment, implementation and evaluation of clinical research studies.
* Lead or assist in patient recruitment, data collection, database management, sample collection and processing.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of governing research legislation.
* Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice guidelines and study protocols.
* Participate in audit programmes and identify research opportunities.
* Identify developmental needs and establish personal development goals.
* Contribute to reflections and learning to maintain competence.
* Assist with external audit, regulatory inspection and internal CRF audits.
* Help create and maintain CRF Standard Operating Procedures.
* Ensure accurate documentation of trial assessments, adverse events and source data.
* Ensure correct versions of protocol and documents are used.
* Direct and support CRF nurses in quality assurance processes.
* Provide nursing advice and support to patients and multidisciplinary teams.
* Promote effective communication between trial centres, sponsors and investigators.
* Disseminate study data and outcomes through presentations, publications and conferences.
* Develop planning, organising, problem‑solving and prioritisation skills.
* Manage own workload through project and time management.
* Oversee caseload or client group and liaise with other agencies.
* Negotiate roles, responsibilities and actions with individuals and groups.
* Maintain appropriate communication channels with patients, relatives, managers and peers.
* Use effective decision‑making skills and evaluate outcomes.
* Coordinate with sponsor companies, R&D, LREC and departmental staff.
* Manage resources related to research studies.
* Ensure adequate supplies and order additional stock.
* Contribute to local, national and international research nurse networks.
* Maintain professional approach to customer care and patient safety.
* Comply with Equal Opportunities policy and treat all with dignity and respect.
* Identify risk areas and report via Incident policies.
* Use resources efficiently in line with Standing Financial Instructions.
* Adhere to hand hygiene, PPE use and safe sharps disposal.
* Carry out alternative duties as directed during significant incidents or pandemics.
* Adhere to Health and Safety and Data Protection Acts.
* Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Person specification
Knowledge and qualifications
* Registered Nurse Part 1 and Part 2.
* Teaching or mentor course.
* Degree in the speciality or related field (completed or in progress).
Experience
* Formal/informal teaching of patients and staff.
* Preceptor/facilitator experience.
* Phlebotomy, cannulation and central line management.
* Specialty experience in cancer and/or clinical trials.
* Chemotherapy administration (SACT).
* Audit and evaluation experience.
* Clinical research experience.
Skills and abilities
* Effective multidisciplinary teamwork.
Communication
* Proficient interpersonal, active listening, written and verbal communication, presentation skills, cultural competence, conflict resolution, feedback delivery, advocacy skills and basic IT skills to manage responsibilities and stakeholders in clinical trials.
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