Research Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder should have: -

• First-level registered nurse.
• Previous experience in delivering research in a health care setting preferably Primary Care.
• Knowledge of the Informed Consent process, Good Clinical Practice and ethics, and research governance.
• Evidence of strong IT skills with experience of using a range of spreadsheet and database computer software, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word & Excel).
• GCP training
• Knowledge of Informed Consent
• A confident approach and the ability to instil confidence.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders: patients who have been diagnosed with a serious/terminal illness, carers, GPs, health professionals, and Clinical Trial Managers.
• Evidence of an ability to work to a high level of accuracy with attention to detail (for example, when completing forms, spreadsheets, and data input).
• The ability to deal with telephone enquiries from staff, patients, and carers, using judgement to respond or refer to appropriate personnel.
• The ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload, meeting trial related targets.
• Willingness to work flexibly to ensure the goals and timescales of the research study are achieved, including working some evenings, if required.
• It would be desirable if the post holder also has competency in phlebotomy & spirometry.
• (Please see person specification for full Essential and Desirable requirements for this post)

JOB SUMMARY:

The post holder will work within our Research Office as part of a team working on academic and commercial research projects. The studies fall within various clinical specialties. The postholder will work with the Lead Research Nurse, Clinical Lead, and Research Service Manager on internal policies and standard operating procedures, patient identification, and research delivery in NHS primary care sites in Sheffield. The post holder will liaise with external/partner organisations such as the NIHR CRN, NHS trusts, and GP practices.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• PCS Research Office team
• GP practices
• Patients and their carers
• NIHR CRN, NHS trusts, NHS Sheffield CCG

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST:

As a Research Nurse, your main duties will include:

• Planning and supporting programmes for screening, recruitment, monitoring, and retention of research subjects in accordance with local, national and international protocols, policies, and procedures.

• Be responsible for the planning and implementation of protocols in accordance with research parameters as set out by the Study Team, Lead Research Nurse, Chief and Principal Investigators.

• Establish appropriate data collection systems for patient data and monitoring data, in accordance with the research protocol. This includes the creation and maintenance of databases for study progression.
• Maintain complete source documentation and Site Investigators' File for Chief and Principal Investigators and Regulatory Bodies.
• Maintain liaison on a regular basis with the Lead Research Nurse, Clinical Lead and Chief Investigator for the duration of the study. In addition, the post holder may be required to attend ongoing presentations and lectures to maintain knowledge base of developments within the field of the Study.
• Collaborates with Investigators, Regulatory Bodies and Ancillary departments.
• Clinically monitor research subjects using excellent communication skills by telephone or face to face, keeping documented evidence of the same.
• Represent and promote the objectives of the research study to internal/external constituencies appropriately.
• Plan, organise and complete complex clinical procedures using efficient workflow schedules and maintains accurate documented evidence of the same.
• Explain clinical aspects of the study to the patients involved in the study on a one-to-one basis.
• Liaise with the GP Surgery staff and central research team to ensure timely arrangement of patient visits for both recruitment and follow-up.
• Maintain contact with participants during follow-up, including home visits where appropriate.
• Always remain professional, and deal sensitively with participants and their carers
• Providing regular feedback on the progress of the study to relevant stakeholders and work towards resolving any issues that arise.
• Ensuring that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is maintained appropriately both at the coordinating centre and at the GP practices. All appropriate paperwork to be forwarded to trial managers in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all research is ethical and carried out in accordance with regulatory guidance.
• Ensure compliance with the host policies on data protection, confidentiality and security.
• Carry out any other research-related duties within the post holders qualifications and competence as delegated by the Lead Research Nurse, Clinical Lead for Research, GP hub lead, the Clinical Trial Manager and Research Service Manager
• Willing to undertake any training as deemed necessary by the Lead Research Nurse, Clinical Lead for Research, Research Service Manager, GP hub lead or Clinical Trial Manager, Clinical Investigator, Primary Investigator
• Ability to travel between GP Surgeries and the host site.
• Support and guide other members of the team as appropriate This job description should not be regarded as definitive. It is intended to provide the post-holder with a broad outline of their function. The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties falling within the grade of this post.

This job description should not be regarded as definitive. It is intended to provide the post-holder with a broad outline of their function. The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties falling within the grade of this post.

Professional/Clinical:

• To have specialist knowledge of clinical research, underpinned by degree level education and/or experience and ICH Good Clinical Practice Qualifications.

• To work within professional Guidelines relating to Code of Conduct, Confidentiality, Accountability and Scope of Professional Practice.

• To provide a high standard of evidence-based care to patients whilst attending patients in the Primary Care Setting

• To work as an autonomous practitioner having a flexible approach to workload schedules.

• To facilitate effective communication written, verbal and electronic.

• To act as the patients advocate

• To liaise with the multidisciplinary team as appropriate in the delivery of support and care to the patients.

• To co- ordinate the planning, implementation and development of protocols in accordance with research parameters as set out by the Chief and Principal Investigators.

• To have strong interpersonal communication skills, having the ability to communicate with empathy in potentially sensitive, controversial situations with patients who have given written consent to participate in the trial to become research subjects.

• Actively seeks to promote health by providing evidence-based information in a sensitive, empathetic manner.

• To have a personal duty of care in relation to the care and working knowledge of the equipment required for the research study.

• To maintain accurate records in line with professional guidelines and local policy using paper based and electronic systems.

• Ensure that monitoring and investigations required for the study are carried out within the time schedules documented and be able to work to tight deadlines with restricted time constraints.

• This may involve taking blood samples, swabs, giving injections and other clinical procedures.
• Be able to propose and implement changes within own area of practice and represent the research team or service.
• To interpret medical records to judge whether a patient is suitable for a particular study.
• To provide evidence of recent interest/experience in research and Continuing Practice Development.
• Attend regular Research and Development departmental meetings and National Institute of Health Research meetings as required.

Educational:

• Be able to prepare, plan and deliver presentations enabling active development and dissemination of own knowledge base.
• To share knowledge with multidisciplinary teams in primary, secondary, tertiary care and voluntary sectors
• To participate and be aware of current trends and developments within research and clinical care.
• To participate in research initiatives

• To maintain a Continuing Practice Development Plan and provide evidence of the same.

Research and development are a specialist field which involves understanding and being able to explain complex ideas and methodologies to staff embarking on research studies. It also includes explaining policies, procedures, and approval mechanisms in order for research to begin. The post holder will be required to explain and discuss these topics both on a one-to-one basis and in groups.

The nature of the work is unpredictable, and the post holder will be expected to be flexible and responsive to deal with various aspects of the job at short notice.

There is a frequent requirement for prolonged periods of concentration.

Occasional exposure to distressing circumstances and unpleasant working conditions

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• First level registered nurse.
• Previous experience in delivering research in a health care setting.
• Knowledge of the Informed Consent process, Good Clinical Practice and ethics, and research governance.
• Evidence of strong IT skills with experience of using a range of spreadsheet and database computer software, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word & Excel).

Desirable

• Competency in Phlebotomy & Spirometry.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in delivering research in a health care setting.
• Experience of speaking in front of a group of professionals
• GCP training
• Informed Consent

Skills

Essential

• A confident approach and the ability to instil confidence.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders: patients who have been diagnosed with a serious/terminal illness, carers, GPs, health professionals, and Clinical Trial Managers.
• Evidence of an ability to work to a high level of accuracy with attention to detail (for example, when completing forms, spreadsheets, and data input).
• The ability to deal with telephone enquiries from staff, patients, and carers, using judgement to respond or refer to appropriate personnel.
• The ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload, meeting trial related targets.
• Willingness to work flexibly to ensure the goals and timescales of the research study are achieved, including working some evenings, if required.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Primary Care Sheffield

Address

Primary Care Sheffield Ltd

28 Kenwood Park Road

Sheffield

S7 1NF

Employer's website

http://www.primarycaresheffield.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)