Working as part of the research team based at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals and the community, this post supports the exciting and important research that continues into improving healthcare for all. If you are interested in becoming involved in cutting-edge research, supporting the development of evidence-based knowledge to help in the fight against cancer and other diseases, this is the role for you. This full-time Research Nurse/Coordinator role requires excellent multi-tasking skills and expert communication skills to support patients on their clinical trials pathway, receiving consent for various studies and supporting clinicians to ensure our trials are run according to protocol.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the safety and wellbeing of clinical trial patients, including safe administration of treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical trial and reporting of serious adverse events to all relevant personnel. The successful candidate will assess patients as required by trial protocols and take appropriate and timely action for patients with treatment toxicities, where appropriate.

The research nurse/coordinator will perform trial specific clinical observations and assessments and take blood, test urine samples, collect research samples and administer treatments for which training has been given, as required.

The successful candidate will assist in the selection and recruitment of participants in compliance with study inclusion / exclusion criteria. Receive valid informed consent and provide ongoing information, education and support to clinical trial patients (and their carers).

The successful candidate will possess strong organisational skills with an ability to multi-task, prioritise and work on their own initiative, as well as being a excellent team player. Well-developed interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively to a wide multi-disciplinary team and patients is a must. Ability to work flexibly and travel between hospital sites as required to meet service need.

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest employer in the county and with over 8,000 staff, we are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, excellent bank rates, access to the excellent NHS Pension Scheme, discounts for local shops, restaurants and services, access to our health and well-being hub, access to our two on-site nurseries, flexible working options, discounted public transport, reward and recognition schemes, exercise and activity classes and membership to our popular hospital choir.We are a friendly team which relies on great team working and encouraging initiative. We offer training and opportunities to develop a career in research.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of clinical trial patients, including safe administration of treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical trial and reporting of serious adverse events to all relevant personnel. Assess patients as required by trial protocols and take appropriate and timely action for patients with treatment toxicities, where appropriate.

2. Assess patients as required by trial protocols. Perform trial specific clinical observations and assessments and take blood, test urine samples and administer treatments for which training has been given, as required.

3. Contribute to the set-up of research studies within the wider research team. Liaise with the Research Governance Team, principal investigators, support departments, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a thorough feasibility process.

4. Ensure trial protocols are followed and that trials are conducted according to the Research Governance Framework, EU Clinical Trials Directive EU2001/20EC and Good Clinical Practice.

5. Assist in the selection and recruitment of participants in compliance with study inclusion / exclusion criteria. Receive informed consent and provide ongoing information, education and support to clinical trial patients (and their carers).

6. Maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. Comply with Trust policies and guidelines and follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

7. Ensure trial records are accurately maintained, including, but not limited to: records in nursing/medical notes, case report forms and trial site files. Adhere to requirements to protect confidentiality.

8. Identify strategies for recruiting patients into trials. Encourage initiatives to increase patient involvement.

9. Assist in achieving targets for patient recruitment, speed and quality of research.

10. Liaise with multi-disciplinary team members to teach and demonstrate procedures for the safe and smooth running of clinical trials and act as a training resource to other members of the clinical team and a contact point in matters concerning trial patients and trial protocols.

11. Operate within the financial constraints of the funding available for research studies.

12. Support the embedding of clinical research within our Trust. Contribute to strategies that inform Trust staff of current clinical trial activity/progress.

13. Respond to change in line with the needs of service provision, working flexibly within the delivery team.

14. Identify own learning needs and proactively seek educational and training opportunities to develop and maintain competency.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Work closely with all key stakeholders on all levels across the Trust associated with these areas, including multi-disciplinary clinical teams, patients and their carers. Liaise with Clinical Trials Units and study sponsors.

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB

- Liaising and working with multidisciplinary teams across all sites.

- Encouraging other professionals, outside of the Trials team, to take an interest in and support clinical trials.

- Implementing the EU Clinical Trials Directive and promoting Good Clinical Practice for research.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• First level degree or equivalent experience

Experience

Essential

• Appropriate months experience as a registered nurse or in a healthcare role
• Experienced in venepuncture, specimen collection, clinical observations and assessments.

Desirable

• Experience in research

Knowledge/ Skills

Essential

• Strong organisational skills with ability to multi-task, prioritise and work on own initiative
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively to a wide multidisciplinary team and patients
• Ability to work independently and be an excellent team player.
• Self-motivated with a desire to be effective and efficient
• Competent in the use of computers at a basic level, including: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, & PowerPoint and the Internet.

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

Gloucestershire

GL1 3NN

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

318-23-R11893