Research Nurse, Research and Development

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Watford is seeking qualified nurses for a Band 5/6 full-time clinical research role. The position offers integrated training with established research teams, focusing on patient recruitment for clinical trials. The successful candidate will gain essential experience and knowledge in research administration and clinical practices, benefiting from flexible working options and extensive training. Applications are encouraged quickly to avoid disappointment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Supportive work environment

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Post-registration experience of working within the NHS in an acute or research setting.
• A keen interest in research.
• GCP trained with understanding of Research Governance procedures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment of patients to clinical trials.
• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Perform phlebotomy.
• Assist in the administration of investigational medicinal products.
• Help manage and facilitate clinical trials.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to use initiative

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Registered Nurse Graduate qualification with NMC registration

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job overview

Band 5 / 6 depending on skills and experience.

This is a fixed term full-time post which is open to qualified nurses who wish to pursue a career in clinical research.

The post holder will undertake a competency-based program working with established multidisciplinary research teams across a variety of disciplines.

The training includes study sessions which are combined with practice placements to deliver an integrated approach to clinical research training. The post is funded by the Local Research Network.

We would like to interview Monday 10th June, in person, there will be a pre-assessment excel test of MS teams on Friday 7th June.

Main duties of the job

Clinical activities to be performed under supervision and with increasing level of autonomy throughout the training period :

• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings, helping to identify patients eligible for clinical trials.
• Assist with recruitment of patients to clinical trials using trial eligibility criteria.
• Assist in the smooth running of clinics by obtaining results and x-rays / scans to be seen prior to patients’ appointments.
• Book investigations as directed by medical and nursing staff and data managers.
• Assist patients with quality of life and other questionnaires as necessary.
• Deal with telephone queries from patients and their carers with the support of the research nurse. Refer queries to other to another member of the multidisciplinary team as required.
• Be involved in the administration of experimental and / or unlicensed intravenous investigational medicinal products.
• Perform phlebotomy.
• Assist in the safe handling, storage and shipping of bloods, histology specimens and other body fluids required for research purposes.
• Learn to become the patient’s guide and advocate through the complex decision-making process involved in considering participation in trials. Enable patients to articulate reasons for trial participation or refusal.
• Learn how to communicate sensitive disease and diagnostic information and be able to deal with the emotional impact of bad news.

Working for our organisation

There has never been a more exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust!

Major redevelopment works are planned as part of the New Hospital Programme. These will be most dramatic at Watford General Hospital where up to 90% of buildings will be new.

The trust has recently gained ‘teaching hospital’ status which reflects the dedicated work of many teams and individuals who have set the standard for delivering high quality training, learning and education at all levels of the workforce.

We are a flexible working employer

At West Herts we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly. We are delighted to offer a variety of flexible working options for all staff. Please check out our web page for more information.

https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking/

We encourage and welcome people with disabilities. If you need help, please ask.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Research administration skills to be developed during the training period :

• Understand international, national, and local policies and legislation relating to clinical trials.
• Learn to prepare for external inspections (eg MHRA) and internal audits.
• Register / randomise patients into trial protocols.
• Learn to extract clinical data from patients’ casenotes and transfer the data into the trial Case Report Forms.
• Assist in accurate and complete data collection, updating and maintenance of databases and computerised systems.
• Take responsibility for filing and safe storage of clinical trials data sheets and for sending to Clinical Trials Units as appropriate.
• Help to manage and facilitate clinical trials, establishing and maintaining channels of communication amongst staff and departments to ensure policies and protocols are understood and adhered to.
• Understand the role of clinical trials units and liaise with units as necessary.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals for submission to the Local Ethics Committee and R&D department.
• Attend and participate in unit meetings and seminars.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse Graduate qualification with NMC registration

Desirable criteria

• GCP trained with understanding of Research Governance procedures / ICH-GCP.

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• A keen interest in research

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of research networks and clinical trials processes.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Post registration experience of working within the NHS in an acute or research setting

Desirable criteria

• Experience of teaching, supervising and mentoring junior staff.

Skills and ability

Essential criteria

• Basic computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Able to use own initiative, innovate and respond to change

Desirable criteria

• Phlebotomy and cannulation

Personal qualities

Essential criteria

• Adaptable and flexible
• Able to work in a team
• Self-motivated
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable criteria

• Capable of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.