Clinical Research Nurse

Guys & St Thomas Hospital; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking NHS foundation trust as a Research Nurse in London. This dynamic role blends clinical and research responsibilities, requiring a compassionate approach to patient care and effective communication skills. You will work within a diverse research portfolio, supporting clinical trials while ensuring patient safety and adherence to Good Clinical Practice guidelines. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop your clinical research skills in a supportive environment, contributing to groundbreaking studies that enhance patient care. If you are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical research and patient care.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulations.
• Ability to work flexibly across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Assess and implement research nursing care for clinical trial patients.
• Recruit patients and ensure high-quality clinical studies.
• Supervise administration of experimental therapies.

Skills

Clinical Research

Patient Advocacy

Effective Communication

Teamwork

Time Management

Medication Administration

Phlebotomy

Problem Solving

IT Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

NMC Registered Nurse

Degree Level Education

Clinical Research Qualification

Tools

Access Databases

Excel Spreadsheets

ECRF Systems

Job description

Main area Research and Development Grade NHS AfC: Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Work patterns will include day shifts, including early and late shifts. There will also be some night duties and weekends as required.) Job ref 196-RD286

Employer Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Cross Site - Guys and St. Thomas' Town London Salary £44,806 - £53,134 p.a. inc HCA Salary period Yearly Closing 12/05/2025 23:59 Interview date 23/05/2025

Guy’s and St Thomas’ is among the UK’s busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. We provide a full range of hospital and community services for people in south London and as well as specialist care for patients from further afield including cancer, renal, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiovascular services.

Guy’s is home to the largest dental school in Europe and a £160 million Cancer Centre opened in 2016. As part of our commitment to provide care closer to home, in 2017 we also opened a cancer centre and a kidney treatment centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup. St Thomas’ has one of the largest critical care units in the UK and one of the busiest emergency departments in London. It is also home to Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Evelina London cares for local children in Lambeth and Southwark and provides specialist services across south east England including cardiac, renal and critical care services. We lead a number of specialist service networks aiming to ensure children are treated locally where possible, but have access to specialist expertise when they need it. Our community services include health visiting, school nursing and support for families of children with long-term conditions.

Our adult community services teams deliver care at the heart of the local communities we serve, working in partnership with GPs, local authorities and other healthcare and voluntary sector organisations. Working with our partners in Lambeth and Southwark, we are focusing on new ways of working to improve care for local patients.

In February 2021 the Royal Brompton and Harefield joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, bringing together world-leading expertise in the care and research of heart and lung disease. Our merger provides a once in a generation opportunity to build a lasting, world-renowned heart and lung centre, providing the highest quality care for patients and conducting world-leading research.

We have a reputation for clinical excellence and high quality teaching and research. We are part of King’s Health Partners, one of eight accredited UK academic health sciences centres. In partnership with King’s College London we have dedicated clinical research facilities including an MHRA accredited Phase I clinical trials unit.

Patients are at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on ensuring the best possible patient experience as well as safe, high quality care. We are proud to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the NHS. Following a comprehensive Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2019 we maintained our overall rating of ‘good’. Our adult community services achieved a rating of ‘outstanding’.

The commitment of our 23,500 staff is key to our success. We are one of the largest local employers and we aim to develop and support all our staff so they are able to deliver high quality, safe and efficient care. The 2019 NHS staff survey results show that we have one of the most engaged and motivated workforces in the NHS. We know this has a positive impact on the care provided to our patients.

We have one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes anywhere in the NHS.

Job overview

Are you dynamic, patient-centered and looking for an exciting challenge?

Why not consider joining theNIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust?

Due to promotions, we have a fantastic opportunity for a Band 6 or experienced Band 5 nurse to start or continue developing clinical research skills. Previous experience of clinical research projects and SACT competency is desirable. You will need to be a team player and effective at managing your own time.

The role is a combination of clinical and research responsibilities delivered within a diverse research portfolio. You will be a point of contact for study principal investigators, sponsors and patients. This means effective communication and team working skills are essential.

To meet the needs of the service you will be required to work at two of our Units – the Guy’s Phase I Unit and the St. Thomas’ Cardiometabolic Unit.

Your work patterns will be agreed with your Line Manager. You will be expected to work shift patterns necessary to ensure patient safety and
delivery of clinical trials. Work patterns will include day shifts, including early and late shifts. There will also be some night duties and
weekends as required.

Main duties of the job

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 clinical trial programme. 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 which 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 clinicalresearch.

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.

Working for our organisation

The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Facility (CRF) for Experimental Medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS
Foundation Trust provides state of the art facilitates and world-leading expertise to support the NHS, universities and industry in conducting
ground breaking experimental medicine studies.

The R&D Department employs a range of senior managers, technical managers, researchers, research support staff, research nurses and administrative staff. Based in the Tower Wing at Guy’s Hospital, this diverse department has the breadth of knowledge and skills to ensure that this high level of research activity and associated research processes are managed smoothly, efficiently and collaboratively.

The Clinical Research Facility is comprised of five units located at our sites at Guys, St. Thomas' and the Royal Bromptom.

With MHRA Phase I accreditation for our Guy’s CRF unit, we are uniquely placed to deliver Phase I commercial and non-commercial patient
focused studies. Our CRF is the only one in the UK with embedded Advanced Therapies Manufacturing (GMP) and immune monitoring platforms.

Detailed job description and main 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, individualized patient/volunteer care.
• Responsible for recruiting to, and following up, patients within studies. This includes both randomized clinical trials 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 and ensuringadvice 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 withinthe Trust’s policies, research governance , Medicines for Human Use ( Clinical Trials Regulations ) Incorporating InternationalConference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) and Data Protection Act.
• Undertake clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, analysis of blood specimens, drug administration and clinical observation etc.
  Assist and advise staff, both registered and unregistered in the delivery of care to the volunteer.
• Ensure that written informed consent has always been obtained for any treatment provided for, or any sample or data taken from a
  Volunteer which will form part of a research study , in accordance with the Trust research governance arrangements and Medicines for Human Use ( Clinical Trials Regulations ) Incorporating International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP).
• Have responsibility for the correct administration and custody of medicines according to Trust policy.
• Maintain all data and case report forms relating to clinical trials in accordance with the Medicines for Human Use ( Clinical Trials
  Regulations ) Incorporating International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP).
  Report any deviation from normal practice to senior staff and implement agreed changes in care programme.
• Deal with concerns raised by volunteers and visitors in a proactive manner and take remedial action as necessary.
• Act as the volunteers advocate

Administration

• Plan, organize and deploy staff according to ability and workload in order to meet participant 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
• Contribute to the overall control of the ward or departmental budget and identify areas where cost improvements can be made.
• Ensure the safe custody of volunteers property in accordance with Trust policies.
• Actively participate in and support the development of the clinical research facility.
• Promote and participate in the implementation of policies within the Centre and to ensure compliance with Trust, Government and EUDirectives.
• Maintain accurate documentation in clinical trial documents and patient notes.
• Ensure that clinical trials are effectively archived as required.
  Assist in the process of gaining local regulatory committee approval (ethics and R&D approval).

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 coordination centre.
• Attend regular update sessions at GSTT.
• 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
• Assist the Charge Nurse in orientating all new staff and students to the ward or department
• Provide teaching and development to the nursing team and students helping them to achieve their learning outcomes
• Act as a role model, mentor and preceptor to the nursing team

Other

• Understand and adhere to Trust policies and procedures.
  To maintain patient confidentiality and standards of Good Clinical
• Practice (GCP) at all times
• Maintain NMC registration

Person specification

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Level 1 NMC Registered Nurse
• Educated to degree Level or above
• Relevant specialist course or equivalent experience (eg. SACT)
• A Clinical Research qualification

Previous Experience

• Extensive experience of working within a ward environment as a qualified nurse
• Experience with Access Databases
• Experience with Excel Spreadsheets, Ecrf and patient database systems
• Experience of effective multidisciplinary team working
• Familiar with Good Clinical Practice & Certification
• Post registration experience in a relevant specialty (SACT, cancer)

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of speciality (SACT, cancer, research delivery)
• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Knowledge of quality, standard setting, benchmarking and audit
• Competency in medication administration Including IV drugs
• Organisation and management skills
• Ability to lead a team
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to perform clinical activities specific to speciality
• IT skills including use of email and office packages
• Competency in phlebotomy and cannulation

Additional Information

• Flexible approach towards teamwork and patient/family involvement
• Enthusiastic, professional and accountable

Guy’s and St Thomas’celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity , gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

As an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends.

We are committed to supporting all employees to achieve a healthy work life balance and to work in a way that is best for them and our patients. We will consider all requests to work flexibly, taking in to account the individual’s personalcircumstances as well the needs of the service. We encourage all prospective applicants to discuss their individual circumstances with the recruiting manager as part of the on-boarding process.

Your e-mail address is important to us -We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis.

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Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Our dedicated and talented staff make it their mission to provide outstanding care for our patients.

Fake job offers for medical professionals living abroad

The Trust has been made aware of a scam targeting medical professionals living abroad who are being sent fake letters offering a job. These letters contain the Trust’s contact details and are often signed by the Chief People Officer.

These letters are fake.

If you receive an offer of employment, please do not reply to the letter, provide any personal details, or send any money to anyone asking for a fee for the placement/job. If you have lost money or sent personal details you should immediately report it to your local law enforcement and contact your bank.

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