Clinical Trial Practitioner/Research Nurse

UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust); London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Clinical Trial Practitioner/Research Nurse to join their dynamic team. This role involves coordinating and managing a diverse portfolio of clinical trials in oncology and haematology, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. The ideal candidate will be a registered nurse with a strong background in clinical trials, patient advocacy, and oncology. You will have the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team, educating patients and colleagues while contributing to groundbreaking research. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to delivering top-quality patient care and advancing medical knowledge through innovative clinical trials.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with experience in oncology and clinical trials.
• Ability to coordinate patient care and educate patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage clinical trials in oncology and haematology.
• Educate patients about trials and ensure informed consent.

Skills

Clinical Trials Coordination

Patient Advocacy

Oncology Knowledge

Teaching Skills

Communication Skills

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

Registered Nurse Part 1, 2

Degree in Speciality or Related Field

Post Graduate Course in Oncology

Professionally Recognised Teaching Course

Tools

ICH GCP Guidelines

Phlebotomy Techniques

Chemotherapeutic Administration

Job description

Clinical Trial Practitioner/Research Nurse

NHS AfC: Band 6

Main area: Clinical Trials
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract: Fixed term: 12 months (Due to limited funding.)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 309-UCLH-5187-A

Site: University College London Hospitals
Town: London
Salary: £44,806 - £53,134 Per annum inclusive of HCAS
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 19/02/2025 23:59

Job overview

The Research Nurse/Clinical Trials Practitioner is an autonomous specialist working within the multi-disciplinary team. The post holder will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio comprising of in-house, national and international phase II and III clinical trials in oncology and haematology malignancies.

Responsibilities will include education of patients and colleagues, coordination of care of patients on trials, collection and preparation of biological samples, collection of trial data and monitoring of the expected and unexpected side effects of drugs and other treatment modalities. The post holder will be expected to develop specialized skills and knowledge relating to the conduct of clinical trials, the therapies and the relevant disease sites. The post holder will be expected to have sufficient skills to enable patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patient’s advocate.

The post is clinically based to support research in all oncology and haematological malignancies, and post holders will be expected to provide cross cover for members of the team.

Main duties of the job

Research

• Coordinates and conducts in-house, commercial and non-commercial national and international phase I, II and III clinical trials in Lymphoma and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.
• Involved in submitting new clinical trials for ethics and Research and Development approval.
• Creates and maintains trial site files.
• Creates and maintains files of current protocols and patient information sheets/consent forms in the appropriate clinics and departments.
• Be accountable for the documentation of trial data according to ICH GCP guidelines.
• Applies critical appraisal skills in evaluating research protocols.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of databases as appropriate.
• Functions in a collaborative practice role within the multidisciplinary health care team to provide expertise in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of clinical research protocols.
• Consults with primary investigators, research organisations and industry in the development and delivery of research protocols.
• Develops knowledge of the preclinical data and the specific rationale for testing an investigational agent/modality in humans.
• Ensures trial case report forms are completed in conformance with ICH GCP guidelines and within appropriate time guidelines.

Clinical

• Demonstrates autonomy as well as the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary healthcare team in identifying and meeting the needs of the patient and his/her family during various stages of the healthcare continuum.
• Coordinates and monitors the care of patients on clinical trials as follows:
• Participates in identifying potential patients for trials.
• Evaluates eligibility of potential patients.
• Ensures all pre-study tests are undertaken and results obtained.
• Acts as patient advocate and assists in obtaining informed consent in the first instance and as the trial progresses/unfolds.
• Registers/randomises patients onto study protocols.
• Provides general written and verbal information to patients and families on the concept of clinical trials and detailed education regarding the objectives, scientific rationale, treatment and investigations, side effects, self-care and follow-up for specific clinical trials.
• Participates in decisions concerning the treatment of patients on trials in accordance with the protocol.
• Where appropriate provides direct patient care within the expanded role of clinical trials (e.g. advanced history taking, toxicity and response evaluation skills, administration of experimental agents, etc).
• Systematically documents patient information in the medical notes.
• Schedules follow-up appointments, consistent with protocol guidelines.
• Collects and prepares biological samples as per protocol.
• Maintains measurable standards of nursing care for specific care needs for patients on clinical trials.

Communication

• Disseminates protocol information and research results to health care professionals by one-to-one teaching, written information and/or in-service education classes.
• Educates multidisciplinary team about portfolio of clinical trials.
• Acts as a primary point of contact for patients in specific trials.
• Educates patient and family about clinical trials, including the objectives, scientific rationale, treatment schedule, side effects and follow up plan.
• Develops programs of care for patients taking part in clinical trials.
• Establishes and maintains links with other hospitals and GPs.

Management

• Mentorship to data managers and clinical trial practitioners.
• Provides cross cover for other research nurses, trial practitioners, data managers and assistants working in the clinical trials unit as directed by the Clinical Trials Manager.
• If the post holder has concerns regarding standards of consent /research process in general they shall report their concerns to the Clinical Trials Manager.
• Takes personal responsibility for promoting a safe environment and safe patient care by identifying areas of risk and following the incident, serious incidents and near misses reporting policy and procedure.

Professional

• Adheres to Trust and Directorate policies, procedures, standards and protocols.
• Research nurses to practice at all times in accordance with the NMC code of professional conduct.
• Research nurses to remain up to date professionally as outlined by the NMC.
• Research nurses to develop practice as outlined in the Trust’s strategy for nursing and midwifery.

Professional Development

• Demonstrate self-direction in facilitating continuing education and acquiring related experience.
• Maintains awareness of current advances in cancer treatments, research and nursing practice and uses this knowledge to maintain high standards of care for patients with cancer.
• Maintains own professional development in conjunction with the objectives of the Service and those identified at Performance and Development Review.
• Assumes responsibility for continuing education by attending related workshops, rounds, seminars, conferences and courses as well as keeping up to date on current publications.
• Participates in the induction of new staff.
• Contributes to educational initiatives within the Cancer Services Directorate.

General

• To adhere to the UCLH Service Commitment 'Putting Patients First' and adopt a professional approach to customer care at all times.
• To comply with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy and treat staff, patients, colleagues and potential employees with dignity and respect at all times.
• Takes personal responsibility for promoting a safe environment and safe patient care by identifying areas of risk and following the Incident, Serious Incidents and Near Misses reporting policy and procedure.
• Takes personal responsibility for ensuring that UCLH resources are used efficiently and with minimum wastage, and complies with the Trust's Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs).
• To comply with Trust policies for personal and patient safety and for prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI).
• In accordance with the Trust's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, undertake work and alternative duties as reasonably directed at variable locations in the event of and for the duration of a significant internal incident, major incident or pandemic.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times.

Working for our organisation

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Registered Nurse Part 1, 2
• Completed/working towards degree in the speciality or related field
• Completed/working towards post graduate course in oncology on other related speciality
• Professionally recognised teaching course

Experience

• Experience of working with oncology/haematology patients and ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of speciality
• Experience of formal/ informal teaching of patients and/or staff
• Demonstrates evidence of professional development
• Experience working as a preceptor/facilitator
• Clinical trials experience

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates ability to take charge and delegate duties

Communication

• Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing

Personal and People Development

• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Demonstratable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties

Specific Requirements

• Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines
• Experience of phlebotomy and cannulation
• Experience of administration of chemotherapeutic agents