Clinical Research Nurse

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for a highly motivated nurse, interested in helping to improve patient treatment outcomes for patients affected by lymphoma.
Research nursing is an exciting and developing role, supported through the R&I division with a good education and development package in place to ensure that staff reach their potential.
This post presents an excellent opportunity to join the establishing and Lymphoma Research team with a varied portfolio of early and late clinical trials.
Central to this role is the responsibility of assessing and managing the care pathways including the delivery of all specified treatments for participants in research within a multidisciplinary team. Key responsibilities of the post include the co-ordination of the trial protocols and support for patient affected by lymphoma.
A background in oncology, flexibility in working, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Experience in clinical research and/or haematological malignancies would be desirable.
This advert is currently for a 12-month fixed contract as a maternity cover with a view to extend at the end of the post according to staffing at the time.
An informal discussion about the post is strongly recommended with the possibility to spend some time with the team to understand better the requirement of the role.
As a Clinical Research Nurse (CRN), you will be providing patient-centred insights to the research delivery team by supporting both the patients and the team through all aspects of clinical research of the Lymphoma portfolio.
You will be involved in every stage of the portfolio activities including feasibility reviews and set-up of and new trials. Patient recruitment and management is a key part of the role, including the administration of complex treatment regimes. You will be supporting team with data query resolution and reviewing protocol amendments.
You will be required to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, possess strong motivation and have the ability to work independently.
With support from the team the CRN will ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the patients is maintained within the requirement of the multi-regulatory frameworks for clinical research ensuring compliance with ICH/GCP standards and Trust SOPs.
You will be able to raise the profile of the clinical research nurse and clinical trials within the trust by engaging in promotional events relating to clinical research with attendance and contributions at local, national and international meetings. As part of the role, you will need to demonstrate awareness and contribution to divisional, Trust and national objectives and strategies.
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is one of the leading cancer centres in Europe, offering high quality diagnosis, treatment and care as well as being at the forefront of cancer research and education.
As a key member of the Lymphoma Research Team, you join a dynamic and supportive team at the forefront of haematology research and centred around patient treatment and care. Working with a team of Research Nurses, Clinical Trials Coordinators and Investigators you will support the delivery of commercial, non-commercial and academic trials. We put emphasis on individual’s and team’s development and encourage engagement from all team members into meetings and system improvement projects. An exposure to a variety of trials, tasks and processes enables professional and continuous growth.
Clinical Research Co-ordination
Work autonomously in all areas of practice relating to clinical research.
Understand and deliver care in accordance with regulatory approved clinical research protocols
Understand the process for obtaining NHS permissions (R&D approval) for conducting clinical trials at site. As project lead, ensure permissions are in place prior to any patient recruitment
Participate in clinical trial feasibilities and risk assessments of clinical trial protocols.
Ensure all clinical trial activities are recorded in appropriate systems in a timely manner.
Awareness of trial specific, regional and national targets. Identify and implement strategies for recruiting patients to clinical trials ensuring that targets for patient recruitment are delivered.
Delegation and oversight of research related activities to research team members (clinical and administrative) and ensure compliance with SOPs and ICH/GCP.
Arrange and facilitate clinical trial related meetings.
Involvement in appropriate financial remunerations for clinical trial activity.
Clinical Service and Professional Responsibilities
Assimilation of highly complex information relating to clinical trials and communication to patients at a level appropriate to their understanding. Ensure highly sensitive information is communicated to patients, relatives and carers regarding prognosis
Contribute to the development, implementation and review of specialist care pathways in conjunction with appropriate personnel.
Demonstration of expert knowledge in specialist area to maintain clinical excellence.
Demonstrate awareness of divisional and trust strategic objectives including performance indicators and metrics.
Escalation of governance issues impacting on delivery of job purpose.
To act as a primary contact point for the clinical trial patients and act as adviser to other health care professionals.
Responsibility for maintenance and development of professional knowledge and practice by attending mandatory and specialist training in accordance with local policy.
Ensuring care delivery standards in accordance with trial protocol, local policy, NMC Code of Practice Conduct and current best practice.
Development and maintenance of a high quality service
Overseeing the safe administration of all licensed and unlicensed medicinal products within the context of a clinical trial.
Overseeing assessment and evaluation of treatment toxicities and initiation of appropriate intervention.
Contribute to development of specialist Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines.
Provide education and support for non-research staff in the delivery of protocol driven treatment for all patients.
Participate in monitoring and audit activities within research team]
To carry out non-medical prescribing within scope of professional practice and in accordance with local policies and procedures and national legislation (optional and depending on clinical service needs).
Personal Education, Training and Development
Maintain professional development whilst evaluating own specialist knowledge and practice through a process of appraisal and personal development planning.
Promote the role of the clinical research nurse as an integral part of the healthcare system.
Increase and maintain awareness of current advances in cancer treatments, research and nursing practice thereby maintaining the highest standard of care for patients with cancer and implementing evidence based care by continuing professional development.
Participation in trust-wide education programmes and study days.
Obtain clinical supervision as appropriate.
To keep up to date with departmental, Trust, UK and EU developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely, effective implementation of changes.
Attendance at team and divisional meeting Staff Management and Development
To Support the Senior Clinical Research Nurse in the induction and continued supervision of junior members of staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory compliance and legislation.
Support the development of specialist study days within own research team.
Assist in the provision of specialist education and training in relation to clinical trials to all key stakeholders.
Disseminate information by attendance and /or presentations at local, national and international conferences/meetings
Contribute to the development of members of the research team
EU DIRECTIVE ICH/GCP All personnel involved in clinical research have a responsibility to ensure that clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the EU Directive and ICH/GCP

Please refer the Job description for details