Job overview
* Are you an amazing nurse with a passion for research?
* Or are you looking for an entry post into health research?
* Is it time for a new challenge in your career?
Answer yes to any of these questions and this could be the post for you.
The role works closely with a wide range of disciplines, to support patients access to good quality research.
You will spend some days on wards/clinics supporting patients face to face but also a significant period of time office based. The office time is spent ensuring accurate data is collected for our patients and learning how to establish new NIHR studies within our Trust. Confidence using IT systems is essential, as well as compassion and excellent communication skills which are paramount.
We are the first point of call for patients on research trials and no two days are the same.
You will be a registered nurse with current NMC registration, with proven relevant experience post-registration.
An understanding of the clinical research process would be an advantage but if not, this post will initially be offered at Band 5 to allow training and development to be undertaken to then progress to a band 6 role; or if relevant past clinical research skills can be demonstrated this post will be offered at Band 6.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
The Research, Development and Innovation Department works closely with Trust based clinicians, university, NHS and industry partners to assess a trial’s feasibility, initiate set-up and conduct high quality clinical research. This gives the local population of East Lancashire the opportunity to take part in research studies associated with their clinical conditions and the care and services they receive.
You will be responsible for ensuring that clinical trials and research studies are undertaken following Nursing and Midwifery council guidelines and as per Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP). The post holder will be required to support all the aspects of a study protocol, with supervision and agreed competencies, assist study lead nurse and members of the multidisciplinary team in delivering agreed protocols to time and targets.
You will also be required to work independently undertaking nursing care activities and perform interventions within clinical trials specific protocols.
We support a varied mix of simple data collection studies and complex drug research studies. The successful post holder will be supported in establishing their own small portfolio of studies and cross-cover of the wider portfolio is required of all team members.
Working for our organisation
Working for your organisation
We are proud that every member of our team receives a detailed induction and training package specific to their needs, experience and job role. Our dedicated research team and supportive leadership structure ensures that our staff have the skills and knowledge to care for their patients and undertake research to the highest standards.
Our management fully support the Trust ethos of compassionate leadership. We support flexible working and will consider all requests, taking into account the needs of the service. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss this at interview. Employees are able to access a huge range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata) on appointment. There is also an on-site Gym for Trust employees & we offer a generous pension scheme.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This post will be based within the Acute Conditions Research Team, supporting research studies within various disciplines including but not exclusively, Anaesthetics, ICU, Surgery, ED/Trauma, MSK and Stroke.
You will be working as part of our small, friendly team, responsible for identifying, recruiting and supporting patients throughout their research journey.
The post is primarily based at Blackburn Royal Teaching Hospital. However, the post holder may also be expected to support trials at Burnley General Teaching Hospital and other Trust sites, to meet the needs of our patients and studies. Therefore flexibility is an essential attribute. Most of the research activity is undertaken Monday to Friday within normal office hours. However, research activity times may also vary and early starts (7:30 onwards) or late finishes (after 5pm) may be required to accommodate studies involving morning theatre lists & late running clinics. This will always be on a planned basis & a flexible working policy is in place.
Our team ethos is to maximize the potential of our own, individual skills. We support each other to be the best we can be. Every member of our team is of equal importance and we welcome new ideas. Our focus is always on providing the best possible care for research participants in East Lancashire.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* •Registered General Nurse / Registered Nurse Adult (1st Level) with current valid NMC registration
* •Evidence of continuous professional development at band 5
Desirable criteria
* •International Conference on Harmonisation, Good Clinical Practice Training
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* •Possess an understanding of research process and the application of research in the clinical governance agenda within NHS / Partner organisations
Desirable criteria
* •Ability to integrate nursing knowledge and skills with the research aspects of the job.
Skills
Essential criteria
* •Well developed interpersonal and communication skills
* •Interested in clinical research
* •Well motivated and enthusiastic to contribute to studies development
* •Competent in standard PC packages such as Outlook, Excel, Word
* •Good time management and organisational skills
Desirable criteria
* •Advanced clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture, cannulation)
Experience
Essential criteria
* •Experience of working on own initiative and also as part of a multidisciplinary team
* •Current experience at band 5 clinical nursing
Desirable criteria
* Prior clinical research experience
Other
Essential criteria
* •Flexibility in approach to working hours and ability to cover across hospitals to meet the service needs