Research Nurse Co-ordinator, Band 5- GREG / Ophthalmology

at  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The post holder will provide clinical support the Gloucestershire Research & Education Group (GRRG). To ensure that study coordination and recruitment of participants comply with national research legislation, NHS guidance, NIHR High Level Objectives, R&I Standard Operating Procedures and GHNHSFT policies.
Day to day tasks include clinical duties, samples, screening, assessments, follow up appointments and some data collection, administrative tasks.
Additional contract details: Fixed term with the option to extend for the right candidate
The proposed interview date is: 17th February
We are seeking a self motivated Research Nurse to join our Gloucestershire Research & Education Group. The suitable candidate will provide support for the delivery of a portfolio of studies under the direction of our Specialist Research Co-ordinator and Advanced Practitioner & GREG Team Manager.
Excellent clinical and communication skills, dependable, good time management, a team player but able to work independently using ones own initiative.
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Feasibility and Study set-up

• Contribute to the set-up of research studies within the wider research team. Liaise with the R&I Professional Services Team, Principal Investigators, support departments, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a thorough feasibility process.
• Able to identify and plan strategies for recruiting patients into trials. Working with Principal Investigators to develop initiatives to increase patient involvement.

Support

• Assist in the selection and recruitment of participants in compliance with study inclusion / exclusion criteria. Receive informed consent and provide ongoing information, education and support to clinical trial patients (and their carers).
• Assist in achieving NIHR High Level Objectives and GHNHSFT Key Performance Indicators for patient recruitment, speed and quality of research
• Liaise with multi-disciplinary team members to teach and demonstrate procedures for the safe and smooth running of clinical trials and act as a training resource to other members of the clinical team and a contact point in matters concerning trial patients and trial protocols.
• Ability to line manage, train and develop junior members of the team, act as a role model.
• Act as a supervisor for students as applicable to professional registration.

Study Delivery/Monitoring

• Good knowledge of clinical trials, including, but not limited to: Research Governance Framework, Good Clinical Practice for Clinical Trials.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of clinical trial patients, including safe administration of treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical trial, as applicable to professional registration and Trust POPAM policy. Reporting of serious adverse events to all relevant personnel, following the relevant Standard Operating Procedures. Assess patients as required by trial protocols and take appropriate and timely action for patients with treatment toxicities, where appropriate.
• Perform trial specific clinical observations and assessments as mandated by trial protocol. Venepuncture, test urine samples and administer treatments for which training has been given, as applicable to professional registration, R&I Standard Operating Procedures and Trust POPAM policy.
• To be responsible for requesting internal monitoring reports for locally sponsored/hosted studies and actioning as required. Responsible for actioning externally sponsored monitoring reports in a timely manner.
• Ensure trial protocols are followed and that trials are conducted according to the Research Governance Framework Procedures, R&I Standard Operating Procedures and Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP). Maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
• Comply with Trust policies and guidelines.
• Ensure trial records are accurately maintained, including, but not limited to: records in nursing/medical electronic and paper notes, case report forms and trial site files. Adhere to requirements to protect confidentiality. Maintain study records on EDGE (Clinical Trials IT system).

Other Duties

• Support the embedding of clinical research within our Trust. Contribute to strategies that inform Trust staff of current clinical trial activity/progress.
• Respond to change in line with the needs of service provision, working flexibly within the delivery team.
• Identify own learning needs and proactively seek educational and training opportunities to develop and maintain competency.

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE ROLE

• Working across a portfolio of research studies.
• Liaising and working with principal investigators, multidisciplinary clinical staff, and departments such as Pathology, Pharmacy, Radiology, and Clinical Trials Units.
• Encouraging other professionals, outside of the Research & Innovation team, to take an interest in and support clinical trials.
• Implementing and promoting Good Clinical Practice for research.
• Frequent interruptions to concentration from people, telephone, etc.
• Mental effort – long periods of concentration required on often lengthy documents.