Job overview
An opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Clinical Research Nurse post within the Lung Unit working in our Sutton site. The role will provide opportunities and exposure to the whole clinical research portfolio working alongside experts in medical oncology and clinical research nursing. We are a highly regarded busy multidisciplinary team performing both clinical and research work and are seen as pioneers in managing lung cancer cancer treatment.
Main duties of the job
The experienced research nurse works as a self-directed practitioner, with a key role to play in the organisation and management of clinical trials within the Trust. These trials may be related to anti-cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, gene therapy or surgery), symptom management or some other aspect of cancer care, such as screening. Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial. Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, s/he will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate. S/he will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio, collaborating with key personnel to ensure continued care and support for patients involved in clinical trials.
The post holder will support more junior research nurses, assisting them to develop their clinical research skills thorough education and training. Further responsibility will include monitoring and raising the standard of nursing input within the team.
The opportunity to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Senior Nurse, Clinical Trials, is also encouraged.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. To assess and evaluate the progress of on-going clinical trials and research undertaken in the unit, maintaining an accurate account of the status of the projects and to regularly update the department on the status
2. To assist with the organisation and implementation of clinical trials, and liaising closely with the multi-disciplinary team to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to patient care.
3. To ensure that proposed research projects for which the post-holder has responsibility are registered and reviewed by the Trust’s R & D department and Research Ethics Committee (REC) prior to commencement and that updates and amendments are reported in a timely fashion.
4. To liaise with pharmaceutical sponsors regarding feasibility and implementation aspects of proposed clinical trials
5. To liaise with the multidisciplinary team to promote and oversee the appropriate referral and recruitment of patients to research trials within the unit for which the post holder has a designated responsibility.
6. To ensure the safe administration of all treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical trial
7. To act as a support for patients and relatives throughout the trial, providing information as well as physical, spiritual and emotional support where necessary, and referring to other healthcare professionals where appropriate
8. To participate in Trust wide education programmes, study days, courses, meetings or conferences as identified in their Personal Development Plan and deemed appropriate for their professional development by their line manager.
9. Ensure performance issues are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner and follow the Trust's Disciplinary or Capability Procedures where formal action is necessary.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. First level registration
11. Post registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification
12. Basic computer Literacy
13. Research methods education
14. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Desirable criteria
15. Relevant diploma / degree
16. Competence in research orientated PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS)
Experience
Essential criteria
17. Experience as a senior staff nurse or above working in a clinical research environment
18. Experience as a senior staff nurse in oncology nursing
Desirable criteria
19. Previous experience in clinical speciality of post applied for e.g. haematology, gynaecology
20. Personal and Leadership Management experience
21. Experience of co-ordinating HRA submissions
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.