Job Title: Senior Clinical Research Nurse/ Clinical Researcher (Practitioner), Cancer and Clinical Haematology
Grade: Band 7 - £32k - £34k
Division: Specialist Services
Directorate: Cancer and Clinical Haematology
Location: Department of Academic Oncology
Managerially Responsible to: Lead Nurse, Research, Cancer and Clinical Haematology
Accountable to: Divisional Nurse Director, Specialist Services
Contract: 6 months in the first instance – Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
PLEASE BE AWARE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE FOR A FULL JOB SPEC PLEASE CONTACT HOLLY BRACE AT JP RECRUIT ON 07912 179950 OR 0844 357 1157 ALTERNATIVELY PLEASE EMAIL holly@jprec.co.uk
My client is currently looking for Clinical Research Nurse for a full time for 6 months in the first instance for a clinical trial based around Gene therapy at a prestigious London Hospital.
You will be either an experienced and confident research nurse Band 7 ideally with some Haematology experience, a very experienced Band 6 research nurse with GI / Oncology experience, or an experienced GI Cancer Nurse.
Background and Role Summary:
The departments of Clinical Haematology and Oncology are involved in a wide spectrum of clinical research ranging from single centre early phase clinical trials to large multi-centre national and international randomized trials. These trials are sponsored by either charities like Cancer Research UK, academic institutions or commercial drug companies.
The Research Sister/Clinical Researcher is an independent practitioner working within the multi-disciplinary team. Responsibilities include co-ordination of care of patients on trials, collection of trial data, collection and preparation of biological samples, education of patients and colleagues. The post holder will understand clinical trial governance and possess practical skills relating to setting up and running a study safely and efficiently. Staff will continue to develop specialized skills and knowledge relating to their portfolio under management. The post-holder will be expected to work flexibly between disease sites in support of staff on leave or in response to a continually changing portfolio of studies.
The post holder will work closely with and be supported by the NLCRN. The NLCRN’s remit is to oversee the quality of research undertaken and increase annual accrual to cancer trials. The post is also supported by the research data management and administrative team.
Key relationships:
Consultants in Oncology
Cancer research team
Ward staff
Day Unit manager and nursing/ admin team
Oncology outpatients
Lead Nurse, Chemotherapy
North London Cancer Research Network (NLCRN), Trial Coordinators and representatives of sponsoring bodies
Patients and their carers Involved in house departments (pharmacy, R&D, radiology) and external agencies (laboratories, Clinical Research Institutes)
Main duties and Responsibilities
Research
Be aware of and comply with ICH GCP as well as the legal requirements and other relevant guidelines for the conduct of clinical research.
Coordinates and conducts in-house, commercial and non-commercial national and international phase I, II and III clinical trials in accordance with the EU Trials Directive.
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.
Be accountable for the documentation and reporting of trial data according to ICH GCP guidelines and at time points as set by the investigator.
Provides an informed assessment of resource requirements for clinical trials in set up and during site evaluations for commercial trials.
Takes responsibility for allocated trials in set up, liaising with collaborating departments in order to facilitate timely approval and initiation. Reports progress regularly to the Portfolio Manager
Creates and maintains Trial Site Files.
In communication with the Clinical Trials Administrator insures clinics and departments are supplied with current protocols and patient information sheets/consent forms for the specific trials under management.
Where appropriate is involved in developing Patient Information.
Calling on a sound knowledge base in trial design, applies critical appraisal skills in evaluating research protocols and correctly interprets complex trial schedules.
Consults with primary investigators, research organisations and industry in the development and delivery of research protocols.
Interprets the preclinical data and the specific rationale for testing an investigational agent/modality in humans and the trial phases through to licensing or adoption of new Standard of care.
Creates and maintains databases as required e.g. for organising and tracking patients on study and reporting of recruitment activity.
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.
Initiates patient care planning and pathways in communication with medical team and Clinical Nurse Specialists to meet the specific needs of the trial patient.
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.
Provides direct patient care within the expanded role of clinical trials (e.g. advanced history taking, toxicity and response evaluation skills, systematically documents patient information in the medical notes.
Schedules follow-up appointments, consistent with protocol guidelines.
Evaluates toxicity and response.
Collects and prepares biological samples as per protocol.
Knowledge & Qualifications
Essential
Registered Nurse Part 1, 2, 12 or completed a science degree
Completed/working towards a teaching course
Completed/working towards degree in the speciality or related field
Desirable
Recognised cancer course module qualification
Experience
Essential
Minimum 3 years post registration nursing experience
Clinical research experience
Experience of formal/ informal teaching of patients and staff
Experience in delivering evidence based practice
Experience of explaining complex concepts to patients in a clear and simplified manner
Experience of acting as a patient advocate
Experience working as a preceptor/facilitator
Desirable
Experience of phlebotomy and cannulation
Experience of administration of chemotherapeutic agents
Minimum 2 years’ experience of working with cancer patients.
For more information and a full job spec please contact Holly Brace at JP Recruit on 07912 179950 or 0844 357 1157 or email holly@jprec.co.uk