Job summary
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate expert research nursing care and provide support to patients attending the Department who have been or have the potential to be recruited onto a CTIMP or ATIMP trial. The Research Nurse will play a key role in ensuring that any research undertaken within the department safeguards the well being of the patients and is conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and Amended Regulations 2006. In conjunction with the other members of the team, facilitate the production of good quality of research.
The research nurse will facilitate and aid in the recruitment of patients to ensure high quality clinical studies and trials that will require the nurse to work flexibly across the disciplines to ensure the successful working of the clinical research facility. They will also act as a patient advocate providing support and assistance as required and assist in the co-ordination and management of a portfolio of early phase translational clinical research.
The post holder will take responsibility for supervising the safe administration of experimental therapies, and for monitoring the expected and unexpected side effects of drugs and other treatment modalities used in these trials.
Main duties of the job
This role involves delivering high-quality clinical care to patients and volunteers participating in clinical trials (CTIMP and ATIMP), ensuring all procedures are carried out in line with study protocols, Trust policies, and regulatory standards such as ICH-GCP and MHRA guidelines.
The post holder is responsible for recruiting and following up participants, performing clinical procedures (e.g. venepuncture, drug administration, monitoring), and maintaining accurate clinical and research documentation. They act as a patient advocate, ensuring informed consent and supporting participants throughout their research journey.
In addition, the role includes administrative responsibilities such as coordinating resources, maintaining a safe clinical environment, supporting audits and regulatory processes, and contributing to service development.
The post holder also supports education and training by mentoring staff and students, promoting research awareness, and ensuring continuous professional development within the team.
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
Carry out planned care required by the clinical trials protocol for a group of volunteers without direct supervision
- Ensure the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based, individualised patient/volunteer care.
- Responsible for recruiting to, and following up, patients within studies. This includes both randomised clinical trials (CTIMP or ATIMP) and other high quality clinical studies. The role will involve working closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams
- Act as a patient advocate enabling patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in the clinical trials (CTIMP or ATIMP) and ensuring advice and information is provided.
- Ensure there is sufficient skill mix of staff for patient safety during clinical trials and ensuring that they are carried out within the Trust and Centre's policies and clinical trial protocol.
- Assist in clinical trials including venepuncture and cannulation of volunteers when necessary ensuring that they are carried out within the Trusts policies, research governance, Medicines for Human Use ( Clinical Trials Regulations ) Incorporating International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) and Data Protection Act.
- Undertake clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, analysis of blood specimens, IMP preparation, drug administration and clinical observation etc.
- Preparing laboratory and ward areas for trials; procuring and labelling tubes and containers for biological samples, processing biological samples and ensuring samples are stored appropriately or despatched for storage.
- Ability to get trained in laminar flow maintenance with the help of senior Clinical Research Practitioners and Research Nurses.
Administration
- Plan, organise and deploy staff according to ability and workload in order to meet volunteer needs.
- Ensure that nursing practices comply with Trust policies and procedures
- Communicate effectively at all times and maintain a harmonious working environment.
- Maintain a safe environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Assist the Nurse Manager in managing incidents, accidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
- Assist in ensuring the availability of resources for volunteer care
- Ensure equipment is in good working order, and report appropriately when defective
- Participate in audits, eg; those undertaken by the Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Authority (MHRA) nursing audits and clinical benchmarking exercises and suggest any change to improve standards
- Ensure the economical use of resources
Education and Training
- Assist in the education and support of health care professionals to enable them to care for clinical trial patients and recruit to clinical trials where appropriate.
- Maintain an up to date knowledge of research related topics particularly related to clinical trials.
- Attend local and national meetings as appropriate and as agreed with the local co-ordinating centre.
- Assess the needs of volunteers, relatives and carers and provide them with information as requested.
- Educate and counsel volunteers, family and those who volunteer for clinical trials before, during and after clinical studies and investigations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
Carry out planned care required by the clinical trials protocol for a group of volunteers without direct supervision
- Ensure the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based, individualised patient/volunteer care.
- Responsible for recruiting to, and following up, patients within studies. This includes both randomised clinical trials (CTIMP or ATIMP) and other high quality clinical studies. The role will involve working closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams
- Act as a patient advocate enabling patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in the clinical trials (CTIMP or ATIMP) and ensuring advice and information is provided.
- Ensure there is sufficient skill mix of staff for patient safety during clinical trials and ensuring that they are carried out within the Trust and Centre's policies and clinical trial protocol.
- Assist in clinical trials including venepuncture and cannulation of volunteers when necessary ensuring that they are carried out within the Trusts policies, research governance, Medicines for Human Use ( Clinical Trials Regulations ) Incorporating International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) and Data Protection Act.
- Undertake clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, analysis of blood specimens, IMP preparation, drug administration and clinical observation etc.
- Preparing laboratory and ward areas for trials; procuring and labelling tubes and containers for biological samples, processing biological samples and ensuring samples are stored appropriately or despatched for storage.
- Ability to get trained in laminar flow maintenance with the help of senior Clinical Research Practitioners and Research Nurses.
Administration
- Plan, organise and deploy staff according to ability and workload in order to meet volunteer needs.
- Ensure that nursing practices comply with Trust policies and procedures
- Communicate effectively at all times and maintain a harmonious working environment.
- Maintain a safe environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Assist the Nurse Manager in managing incidents, accidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
- Assist in ensuring the availability of resources for volunteer care
- Ensure equipment is in good working order, and report appropriately when defective
- Participate in audits, eg; those undertaken by the Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Authority (MHRA) nursing audits and clinical benchmarking exercises and suggest any change to improve standards
- Ensure the economical use of resources
Education and Training
- Assist in the education and support of health care professionals to enable them to care for clinical trial patients and recruit to clinical trials where appropriate.
- Maintain an up to date knowledge of research related topics particularly related to clinical trials.
- Attend local and national meetings as appropriate and as agreed with the local co-ordinating centre.
- Assess the needs of volunteers, relatives and carers and provide them with information as requested.
- Educate and counsel volunteers, family and those who volunteer for clinical trials before, during and after clinical studies and investigations.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- NMC Registration
- Level 1 Registered Nurse (RN1) or Mental Health Nurse (RN3)
- Good Clinical Practice Certificate
Desirable
- Relevant specialist course
- Research Qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Cannulation and vene puncture skills (key requirement)
- Experience in Clinical Research
- Competency in medication administration including IV drugs (key requirement)
Desirable
- SACT Knowledge / Experience (SACT Passport Holder)
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Organisation and management skills. Teaching
- Computer skills; with Excel Spread sheets, CRF and patient database systems, email and Microsoft office packages
- Ability to work effectively under effectively under pressure
Desirable
- Skills in managing Haematological Disorders
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- NMC Registration
- Level 1 Registered Nurse (RN1) or Mental Health Nurse (RN3)
- Good Clinical Practice Certificate
Desirable
- Relevant specialist course
- Research Qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Cannulation and vene puncture skills (key requirement)
- Experience in Clinical Research
- Competency in medication administration including IV drugs (key requirement)
Desirable
- SACT Knowledge / Experience (SACT Passport Holder)
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Organisation and management skills. Teaching
- Computer skills; with Excel Spread sheets, CRF and patient database systems, email and Microsoft office packages
- Ability to work effectively under effectively under pressure
Desirable
- Skills in managing Haematological Disorders
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
