Agile Research Nurse / Practitioner

Job responsibilities

Communication and Key Working RelationshipsProvide information and support to patients and carers relating to the research protocol, procedures and treatment, follow-up and ensure that informed consent is obtained.Maintain effective communication channels between the team and participant Develop and maintain close working relationships with clinical teams, involving and encouraging and supporting both new researchers and more experienced teams of researchers in achieving research ambitions Actively seek patient/carer feedback Be responsible for adhering to relevant HR policies Participate in research meetings and ensure accurate information is fed to the Clinical Research team, including developing an effective working relationship with the Trials Administrative Team. Recognise the value of skilled open communication in the development of healthcare professional-patient relationships and with other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Take a proactive role in the CRN: SWPNetwork as appropriate, liaise with and contribute information to, the Research Network manager and colleagues throughout the network to work towards network aims and objectives Respond to enquiries from other Health Care Professionals, patients and carers Be responsible for supporting other staff working in other local research networks Liaise with Clinical trial monitors, external auditors and clinical scientists. Participate in meetings with other centres involved in clinical trials and attend investigator meetings. Key contacts will include:-o CRN: SWPo Clinical Research Teams across the Peninsulao Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Research Teamso Somerset NHS Foundation Trust staff both at acute site and Community and Mental Health facilities and associated staff from integrated care system partners.o Clinical Trial participants and their familieso Patients and Relatives/Carerso GPs and Practice Nurseso Other Clinical Research Staff based across the UK. Share knowledge of specialist areas by means of attending meetings or giving presentations to large groups.

Planning and Organisation Working with R&D Managers, develop, integrate, plan, provide and negotiate resources (financial and physical) across the Trust and integrated care system To be accountable for the assessment, planning, organisation and ongoing care of research participants, whilst maximising protocol and GCP compliance. The post holder will be responsible for a caseload of participants on more than one research study so will be required to plan and arrange multiple appointments and tests according to the requirements of individual study Undertake the safe analysis, processing and dispatching of pathological samples and completion of relevant documentation at varying time points Some duties may be necessary after normal working hours therefore some flexibility is required At all times to work with a high attention to detail and ensure study data is recorded clearly and accurately on paper and electronic data capture systems. To ensure that data queries are answered correctly within agreed timescales. To ensure study records and trial files are maintained and kept up-to-date.

Will be required to prepare reports from Trust IT systems. Assist with the maintenance of the departments data management system, including input of trial and patient information, and extraction, analysis and validation of data.

Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy Undertake care in a manner that is consistent with: Legislation, policies, procedures Patient centred care Compliance with the local delivery of infection control practice An environment that is fit for purpose in delivering safe and effective patient care Individual privacy and dignity Conduct of care Scope of Professional Practice Multidisciplinary Team Working Provide specialist advice and review as necessary by undertaking clinics or during existing appointments, telephone calls and in other clinical settings. Select and recruit participants according to inclusion / exclusion criteria which are study/trial specific by reviewing information, attending clinics and other clinical areas and taking an active role within the multi-disciplinary team where appropriate. Safeguard the autonomy and integrity of participants Conduct assessments, trial procedures and documentation in strict compliance with the protocol and Trust policy Refer patients to other health care professionals as appropriate. Maintain the necessary competency skills in order to comply with protocol requirements Respond to learning needs of other staff and co-ordinate the relevant training in relation to the study protocols Liaise with Health Care Professionals, including Nurse Specialists and Clinical Teams to maintain seamless care Take blood samples where indicated and ensure they are properly prepared, stored and despatched where appropriate Where appropriate to the protocol, within the scope of practice and competency, administer study medication or teach patients to do so and monitor for toxicityPolicy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility To ensure expert level of knowledge of the study protocol for each study within individuals portfolio of studies To co-ordinate the training of all staff involved in relevant research and to conform to protocol and practice guidelines Evaluate the changing needs of the research portfolio within the service and adapt the delivery, in the light of local audits, national guidance and service developments Expand own knowledge of practice through learning about current clinical and medical developments and research in relevant diseases, seeking to develop new skills Demonstrate knowledge of research methodology, design and clinical audit and apply evidence-based research findings to professional practice in the speciality and recognise its contribution to Clinical Governance To work without supervision and adhere to Clinical Governance initiatives, appropriate Code of professional conduct and relevant policies Participate in updating and implementing policies, protocols and guidelines within the scope of the role and monitor standards of professional practice through audit and patient surveys Adhere to the ICH guidelines for GCP, regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clinical research and related activities Promote, monitor and maintain best practice for health, safety and security including:o Adhere to agreed policies to maximise safetyo Identify any risk in the work area that could affect the safety of patients Be aware of potential areas for discrimination in the workplace and take positive action Ensure systems focus on equality and diversity To identify strategies for recruiting participants into clinical research and providing long term follow up where required Ensure honorary contracts are in place and maintained for working within organisations across the locality Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for clinical trial patients and their carers Ensure that H&S requirements are met in the Department Demonstrate awareness of the Ethics and Research & Development Approvals processes through prompt reporting of Serious Adverse events, contributing to submission of Trust application, protocols, advertisements and amendments Liaise with Research & Development offices during set up period and provide progress reports throughout the project in a timely manner. Liaise with, or take a leading role in, assessing trial feasibility engaging with departments, services and key stakeholders. Contribute to setting and achieving recruitment targets, by devising and adapting processes to ensure maximisation of participant approaches. Contribute to research base and dissemination of results informing evidence based care.Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources Provide information to allow for the raising of invoices relating to trials where appropriate To assist in the review of trial protocols and identification of resource implications for the site To be responsible for equipment in daily use for own role To be responsible for ensuring physical security of equipment and other resources in regular use e.g. locking offices on exit

Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management To use relevant knowledge to perform all research procedures according to protocols and extend this experience to support others in the research team and other health care professionals where appropriate Support new and junior team members in the development of knowledge and skills to maintain the quality of research and service delivery Take a proactive role in the CRN: SWP Network and liaise with the Research Delivery Managers and to work towards network aims and objectives and contribute information Ensure the team is able to meet its development objectivesInformation Resources & Admin Duties

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Essential

• Registered Healthcare Professional
• Post-registration clinical experience of at least 2 years
• Postgraduate diploma or equivalent (or working towards)
• Experience of Microsoft Word and Outlook

Desirable

• Current ICH-GCP Certificate
• Informed Consent Training

BEHAVIOURS ALIGNED WITH TRUST VALUES

Essential

• Outstanding care
• Listening and leading
• Working together

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable, recent healthcare professional experience in the care of patients with complex needs

Desirable

• Previous experience of data collection, audit and research design
• Some experience of project management

Knowledge`

Essential

• Conversant with DoH Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care, ICH GCP and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Amended Regulations 2006
• Able to critically appraise and use validated results to improve practice
• Knowledge of caring for patients with complex needs
• Able to undertake pertinent clinical skills

Desirable

• Understanding of research governance
• Thorough knowledge of data collection, data entry and analysis
• Thorough knowledge of research methodology

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication and assertion skills (verbal and written)
• Remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Good listening skills
• Good computer literacy including email and internet and components of Microsoft package ( Word, Excel, Powerpoint
• Ability to work across organizational boundaries in a non territorial, non threatening manner
• Requires UK driving licence

Planning & Organisating Skills

Essential

• Ability to work independently without close supervision
• Ability to organize and manage own time and set and achieve own targets
• Ability to develop new skills

Physical Skills

Essential

• Ability to carry out physical elements of the post, such as computer work, transcribing data
• Ability to carry out clinical skills such as Obtaining vital signs (Blood pressure, pulse), urine specimen collection
• Ability to travel to various locations to support recruitment and management of trials.

Desirable

• Ability to carry out clinical skills such as, venepuncture, ECG etc

Other - general

Essential

• Competent user of IT, especially MS-Office, Internet Explorer and Groupwise/Outlook with proven file management ability
• Flexible working arrangements
• Committed to further professional development
• Regular, reliable method of transport and mobility throughout the area
• Basic life support skills
• Demonstrates evidence of Trust values
• Disclosure and barring Service check is satisfactory to the Trust
• Occupational health clearance satisfactory to the Trust

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).