[ref. b03407004] Research Nurse Co-ordinator, Band 5- GREG / Ophthalmology
Join us at an exciting time for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust! We have an ambitious plan for our journey to Outstanding and are looking for aspirational, committed individuals to join us, making a real difference to both staff and patients.
As a former winner of England for excellence award: Tourism destination of the year, the beautiful city of Gloucester and the scenic regency spa town of Cheltenham are fantastic places to work and live.
As a hospital Trust we are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and studies, whilst also providing acute elective and specialist services to a population of over 620,000.
By joining Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new colleagues can look forward to a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities and support.
Job overview
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 candidateThe proposed interview date is: 17th February
Main duties of the job
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.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post-holder will be expected to communicate with a variety of stakeholders at all levels including but not limited to National Clinical Trials Units, Pharmaceutical companies, and other research Sponsor organisations, Clinical Research Network staff, researchers, support service staff and clinicians both within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and beyond.
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.
- Occasional lifting of boxes of A4 paper, A4 files and similar (up to 5kg) and transporting these to other sites
- Travelling between Cheltenham General & Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals. Supporting research clinics within the Research Facility Centre. Occasional community or home visits to patients.
- 40% of time spent working in clinical areas (talking to patients, taking blood, testing urine samples and administering some treatments as applicable).
- 60% of time spent working in an open plan office
- Physical effort is not strenuous, occasional lifting of boxes of A4 paper, A4 files and similar (up to 5kg), and transporting these to other sites
- The post involves a combination of sitting, standing and walking
- There is a regular need to use a computer
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- First level degree or equivalent experience (level 6 NVQ, level 6 diploma, graduate diploma, level 6 certificate, graduate certificate)
Experience
Essential criteria- Appropriate experience as a registered nurse/allied healthcare professional or extensive experience in a patient facing role.
- Previous experience of working with databases and or spreadsheets used for data entry
Knowledge / Skills
Essential criteria- Strong organisational skills with ability to multi-task, prioritise and work on own initiative
- Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively to a wide multidisciplinary team and patients.
- Ability to work independently and be an excellent team player.
- Proficient in the use of computer programmes including Microsoft Office/GOOGLE apps, with the ability to master new applications
- Clinical skills: venepuncture, specimen collection, clinical observations and assessments.
The health and wellbeing of our staff and patients remains the priority of the Trust. Vaccination remains the best chance we have of conquering COVID and the Trust encourages everyone to take up this offer.
Please note, this vacancy may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please apply as soon as possible if you are interested. The Recruitment Team are unable to accept any applications after the position has closed on NHS Jobs.
Committed to safeguarding our community
If applicable for the post, all successful candidates will be required to pay for their own Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost will be £29 (standard checks) or £46 (enhanced checks), and will be recovered through two instalments from the candidate's salary.Please contact [email protected] for further information.
The Trust is a safeguarding employer committed to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is committed to safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults, and any appointment will be subject to satisfactory clearance.As part of the organisation's commitment to Safer Recruitment, candidates may request copies of relevant policies and procedures by contacting the Recruitment Team at [email protected]
Committed to supporting service personnel
As part of our commitment to support Service Personnel, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with the Career Transition Partnership, offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for all qualifying Service and Ex-Service Personnel.To qualify for a guaranteed interview, candidates must meet the essential criteria for the post and be either a current member of the Armed Forces, or be within the two year period of resettlement. If this applies to you please email the job reference number and your AR number to the Recruitment Team at [email protected]
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