Clinical Research Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities

To undertake safe, high-quality, participant-focused research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and the Research Governance Framework for Health and Care.

On the direction of the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager, work independently within the team, planning ones own workload, as well as contributing towards decision-making.

Provide support to study co-ordinators and Principle Investigators involved in the CVMed commercial study portfolio, assisting with study activities as required.

Act as a study lead/coordinator for a small portfolio of non-complex observational academic studies. Be responsible for all aspects of these studies including; pre-screening activities, recruitment, assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of participant care during participation in clinical research visits, ensuring regular feedback to the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager and Principal Investigator.

Provide support and/or cover for other CVMed studies, staff, or service needs as required.

Facilitate and participate (within the boundaries of ones personal competency) in informed consent procedures appropriate to patient age and understanding, demonstrating GCP principles and adherence to research regulations/University of Oxford SOPs.

Provide and receive sensitive information relating to participant involvement in research, ensuring general written and verbal information is clearly conveyed to patients and families regarding study objectives, scientific rationale, treatment investigations, side effects, and follow-up.

Work collaboratively within a wider multi-disciplinary study team to ensure effective and professional delivery of a high standard of care for all study participants/clinical patients within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Respond quickly and appropriately to enquiries and queries using ones own professional judgement to identify when to escalate issues and seek senior support/guidance. Be aware of the regulations around reporting adverse events and serious adverse events.

Support senior staff in the management of patient/participant emergency situation, in line with locally agreed policies and standard operating procedures.

Supervise the work of junior/less experienced staff, helping to ensure that participant/patient safety is always maintained.

Assist the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager in promoting the work of the RN&ST, as well as involvement in patient engagement and involvement activities.

To be aware of, and adhere to, all locally agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as supplied by OCMR, CCRF and the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, as well as undertake mandatory training as required by the Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust (OUH).

Complete a portfolio of evidence demonstrating development of skills based on a competency framework agreed during induction. Continue to achieve individually tailored objectives as agreed by the line manager following completion of relevant competencies/training.

Adhere to CVM dress code when working clinically, and the Oxford University protective policies when working in the onsite satellite laboratory.

On the request of RN&ST Research Nurse/Manager:

Assist and support studies within the CVM RN&ST, or other CVM research groups, at various stages of the research process from study set-up, pre-screening and recruitment, to study visits, study follow-up and study close out, in accordance with individual research protocols and following standard operating procedures.

Provide support to researchers and radiographers performing cardiac MRI/CT, including; undertaking and observing safety screening procedures and reporting concerns to the research team/radiographers, helping with the process of scan set up and positioning within the scanner, attending participants personal needs, and providing participants with support and reassurance.

Assist researchers with clinical research procedures such as six-minute walk tests, exercise tests/cardio-pulmonary exercise tests, echocardiography. Training to be provided.

Carry out standard observations such as height, weight, BP, HR, oxygen saturations, urinalysis and ECG, accurately recording data as per study protocol, having an awareness of normal and abnormal values, and escalating concerns to senior members of staff.

Perform phlebotomy/cannulation and obtain blood samples in line with study protocols.

With training, undertake basic laboratory skills for sample processing including; centrifugation, pipetting, sample storage and shipping, ensuring that lab activities are in-line with departmental health and safety requirements.

Undertake administrative activities, such as the printing and postage of participant invitation packs, scheduling study visits, managing a calendar, arranging taxi bookings, shipment of study samples, study expense reimbursement and invoicing, the distribution of departmental and NIHR research surveys, and study close out and archiving.

Maintain high-quality and accurate study data within study documentation/case report forms, ensuring that any adverse or unexpected clinically relevant events are reported in a timely manner and in accordance to the protocol.

Maintain a safe, hazard free working environment, ensuring that all clinical and laboratory areas are clean, tidy, and adequately stocked.

From time to time, assist with the NHS clinical list, or undertake other duties that are commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the post.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Clinical and/or clinical research experience within a clinical setting with basic understanding of cardiac diseases
• Experience in dealing with confidential patient information

Desirable

• Previous experience nursing / caring for patients in a clinical setting.
• Previous experience working with clinical research trials.
• Experience of processing blood samples/ basic laboratory skills

Training

Desirable

• Human Tissue Act training
• Informed consent training
• Evidence of training and competency in venepuncture and cannulation

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Well-developed clinical skills including evidence of training and competency in recording ECGs
• Good command of written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate confidential or complex information in a manner, which may require empathy, encouragement and reassurance.
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise own initiative when dealing with common issues within own area of work as well as within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to organise and manage time effectively as well as maintain a high level of organisational skill to keep to deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail. Able to evidence keeping well documented and up to date archives/care plans and high-quality records.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and a willingness to undertake further training where necessary.
• Computer literate in standard Microsoft Access/Excel/Word packages.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse; entry on part 1 (adult) of the NMC register. [please state PIN number, NMC entry date and revalidation date], or Clinical Research Practitioner, please state AHCS registration date and re-accreditation date if applicable.
• Degree in relevant subject e.g. Biological Sciences

Desirable

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training, demonstrate within application.
• Care certificate (Research Practitioners)

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).

Employer details

Employer name

University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine

Address

Level 6 West Wing

John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU

Employer's website

https://www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/about/our-divisions/division-of-cardiovascular-medicine (Opens in a new tab)