Band 6 Clinical Research Nurse Thoracic Surgery RBH

Job responsibilities

As a Band 6 Research Nurse, you will be based in the Thoracic Surgery Department, and will be responsible for the delivery of thoracic surgery clinical trials and thoracic oncology research carried out at Royal Brompton Hospital. The post is based at Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea, but some cross-site working may be required at our Harefield Hospital and Guys Hospital sites. This will include the complete life cycle of the research study, from set up to delivery and archiving in parallel with meeting agreed patient recruitment targets.

The post holder will ensure:

• That all research conducted within the department safeguards the safety and well-being of the patients.
• Research is conducted within requirements of a multi-regulated clinical research environment
• To facilitate the delivery of high-quality research.

Communication:

• Raise awareness and profile of clinical research nurses and clinical studies
• Demonstrate awareness and contribution to divisional, Trust and national objectives.
• Act as patient and public advocate to ensure the rights of these individuals, are protected, at all times.
• Participate and present at internal and external working groups/forums to develop and share evidence based, best practice, locally and at a national/ internationally level [including networking opportunities].
• Facilitate, effective communication of complex study information with all relevant research personnel [including, medical, nursing, administrative and pharmacy staff].
• Develop effective working partnership and relationships with Principal Investigators and all members of the research team and other members of the multidisciplinary team, ensuring the two-way flow of all necessary documentation and information

Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect):

The post-holder will:

• Provide a high standard of nursing care within a multi-professional research team.
• Work within Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to department and Trust policies.
• To ensure participant treatment, is in accordance with clinical research protocols.
• Act as patient advocate ensuring their rights are always protected
• To ensure participant treatment is in accordance with the principles and guidelines of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Continually assess, plan and evaluate the quality of care given, regularly assessing/planning and evaluating the needs of the participant and effect the change required to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Participate in internal and external working groups to develop and share evidence based/best practice, locally, nationally and internationally.

Resource management:

• Ensure safe use of all equipment, some of which is complex and to ensure training is delivered, if needed, on the use of this equipment.
• Be prepared to work shifts and or cover out of core hours and occasional weekends, as needed.
• Abide by the Trusts core behaviours for staff and all other Trust policies including standing financial instructions, research governance, clinical governance, patient and public involvement, codes and practices, and health and safety policies.

People management:

• Manage own workload, patient interviews and coordination of investigations and procedures by arranging any follow ups necessary for complex, research trials.
• Report adverse events to the Senior Research Nurse and/or Consultant Thoracic Surgeon (Prof Eric Lim) and ensure completion of appropriate documentation.in accordance with relevant trial protocol and Trust guidance.
• Assist in implementing policies, cascading information and delivering training as required to other team members.
• Inform the Senior Research Nurse and/or Consultant Thoracic Surgeon (Prof Eric Lim) of any untoward incidents or problem areas affecting participants or staff.
• Act as an ambassador for the Thoracic Research Team, and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, taking opportunities to promote both research and clinical aspects of their work.
• Promote effective teamwork, initiate and support management of change within the team.
• Ensure cover for planned/annual leave within the team as delegated.

Information management:

• Using appropriate manual and computerised systems, to ensure accurate collection and maintenance of all study records, this includes the backing up of data.
• Data management and handling of Case Report Forms and Source Data including data entry and resolving data query issues for research studies.

Research and development:

The post-holder will:

• Assist in the management, coordination, organisation, and implementation of clinical trial protocols in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization/ Good Clinical Practice (ICH/GCP). This would be for both non- commercial and commercial studies
• Liaise with study monitors to assist with internal and external quality assurance, audit and inspections.
• Compile information for and accurately complete project reports as requested for assigned studies.
• Assist/educate participants in research protocols and methodologies in order to facilitate obtaining informed consent. Providing a plan of the study visits through to completion of study and follow-up advice.
• Using appropriate manual and computerized systems, ensure accurate collection and maintenance of all study records. This includes the backing up of data.
• Actively participate in recruiting of patients for clinical trials, liaising with other professional groups and ward staff to achieve this.
• When appropriate assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), for use by the Thoracic Research team.

Education and Development:

• Develop, under the mentorship of the Senior Research Nurse and Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, clinical research skills and expertise to be proficient in clinical trials.
• Support and encourage other staff in developing expertise and skills in research.
• Train in, and maintain knowledge of, key research conditions and level of clinical skills necessary to perform highly specialised procedures.
• When considered competent by the Senior Research Nurse, extend scope of professional practice in skills required by research studies.
• Assist in supporting the implementation and supervision of junior staff in the delivery of teaching and training programs.
• Recognise and use spontaneous and formal learning opportunities and share knowledge and experience and feedback to/with other staff.
• Continue to maintain and develop personal and management skills by undertaking mandatory and other training as required.
• Meet NMC requirements which include continued professional development (CPD) and post-registration education and practice, NMC revalidation.
• Assist in supporting staff new to studies working on in the implementation of clinical trial protocols

Further sections:

• To abide by the Trusts Core behaviours for staff and all other Trust policies, codes and practices including standing financial instructions, research governance, clinical governance, patient and public involvement, codes and practices, and health and safety.

Other duties:

To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested.

Qualifications / Education

Essential

• Degree level qualification
• NMC registration on relevant part of the register
• Evidence of continuous personal and professional development
• Excellent level of English language demonstrated through effective written and verbal communication

Desirable

• Specialist qualification

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• Experience with Clinical Nursing level
• Experience with patient interaction
• Experience of working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of Research Governance Framework (RGF), International Conference on Harmonisation/Good Clinical Practice (ICH/GCP)
• Logical and consistent work and career pattern
• Ability to demonstrate evidence of service improvement
• Knowledge of professional and NHS issues and policy relating to specialist area

Desirable

• Experience in health research or research data collection
• Experience of working with patients who have thoracic /oncology conditions
• Knowledge of Research Ethics Committees
• Knowledge of the purpose of clinical research
• GCP training

Skills & Ability

Essential

• Ability to move and handle patients as well as equipment
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), organisation and time management skills
• IT skills, with knowledge of common software such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to use own initiative
• Ability to deal with stressful situations
• Phlebotomy skills
• Intra-venous access and cannulation skills
• Administration of IV medication

Desirable

• Sample processing skills
• Skills in performance of standard respiratory tests
• Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs/Chemotherapy
• Good presentation skills
• Report Writing

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Organised, detail oriented, self-directed, and dependable
• Able to prioritise work, solve problems, and work independently
• Understanding of personal accountability
• Strong motivation to work within the area of clinical research

Desirable

• Aware of learning needs

Other requirements

Essential

• Able to work flexible hours including shifts, and weekend work
• Demonstrate clarity and breadth in use of English language
• Maintain professional development and have an awareness of current nursing issues

Desirable

• Assertiveness

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

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