About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a highly motivated nurse to join the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. ECMT supports a growing portfolio of early phase research studies both commercial and investigator led, including first in human drug trials.The post holder will work alongside a team of physicians, research nurses & clinical trial administrators on a portfolio of trials providing support to patients, administering trial treatments & carrying out trial assessments for patients on study.
Research nursing is an exciting and developing role, supported through the R&I division with a good education and development package in place to ensure that staff reach their potential.
Central to this role is the responsibility of assessing and managing the care pathways including the delivery of all specified treatments for participants in research within a multidisciplinary team. Key responsibilities of the post include the coordination of the trial protocols and support for cancer patients.
A background in oncology, flexibility in working, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Experience in clinical research would be desirable but not essential.An informal discussion about the post is strongly recommended with the possibility to spend some time with the team to understand better the requirement of the role.
Please note this advert may close earlier if adequate number of applicants.
Main duties of the job
The CRN will be involved in every stage of the portfolio activities including feasibility reviews of new clinical trial opportunities, set-up and activation of new trials, patient recruitment and management, supporting team with data query resolution, reviewing protocol amendments, providing patient-centred insights to the research delivery team by supporting both the patients and the team through all aspects of clinical research of the portfolio.
With support from the team the CRN will ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the patients is maintained within the requirement of the multi-regulatory frameworks for clinical research ensuring compliance with ICH/GCP standards and Trust SOPs.
Line management responsibility for junior staff including supporting them in ensuring research data is collected with compliance to GCP and other regulatory legislation.
Raise the profile of the clinical research nurse and clinical trials within the trust by engaging in promotional events relating to clinical research with attendance and contributions at local, national, and international meetings.
Demonstrate awareness and contribution to divisional, Trust and national objectives and strategies.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.
We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.
Job description Job responsibilities Clinical Research Co-ordination
Work autonomously in all areas of practice relating to clinical research. Understand and deliver care in accordance with regulatory approved clinical research protocols. Understand the process for obtaining NHS permissions (R&D approval) for conducting clinical trials at site. As project lead, ensure permissions are in place prior to any patient recruitment. Participate in clinical trial feasibilities and risk assessments of clinical trial protocols. Ensure all clinical trial activities are recorded in appropriate systems in a timely manner. Awareness of trial specific, regional and national targets. Identify and implement strategies for recruiting patients to clinical trials ensuring that targets for patient recruitment are delivered. Delegation and oversight of research related activities to research team members (clinical and administrative) and ensure compliance with SOPs and ICH/GCP. Arrange and facilitate clinical trial related meetings. Involvement in appropriate financial remunerations for clinical trial activity.
Clinical Service and Professional Responsibilities Assimilation of highly complex information relating to clinical trials and communication to patients at a level appropriate to their understanding. Ensure highly sensitive information is communicated to patients, relatives, and carers regarding prognosis Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of specialist care pathways in conjunction with appropriate personnel. Demonstration of expert knowledge in specialist area to maintain clinical excellence. Demonstrate awareness of divisional and trust strategic objectives including performance indicators and metrics. Escalation of governance issues impacting on delivery of job purpose. To act as a primary contact point for the clinical trial patients and act as adviser to other health care professionals. Responsibility for maintenance and development of professional knowledge and practice by attending mandatory and specialist training in accordance with local policy. Ensuring care delivery standards in accordance with trial protocol, local policy, NMC Code of Practice Conduct and current best practice. Development and maintenance of a high-quality service by: Overseeing the safe administration of all licensed and unlicensed medicinal products within the context of a clinical trial. Overseeing assessment and evaluation of treatment toxicities and initiation of appropriate intervention. Contribute to development of specialist Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines. Provide education and support for non-research staff in the delivery of protocol driven treatment for all patients. Participate in monitoring and audit activities within research team To carry out non-medical prescribing within scope of professional practice and in accordance with local policies and procedures and national legislation (optional and depending on clinical service needs).
Personal Education, Training and Development Maintain professional development whilst evaluating own specialist knowledge and practice through a process of appraisal and personal development planning. Promote the role of the clinical research nurse as an integral part of the healthcare system. Increase and maintain awareness of current advances in cancer treatments, research and nursing practice thereby maintaining the highest standard of care for patients with cancer and implementing evidence-based care by continuing professional development. Participation in trust-wide education programmes and study days. Obtain clinical supervision as appropriate. To keep up to date with departmental, Trust, UK and EU developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely, effective implementation of changes. Attendance at team and divisional meeting
Staff Management and Development To Support the Senior Clinical Research Nurse in the induction and continued supervision of junior members of staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory compliance and legislation. Support the development of specialist study days within own research team. Assist in the provision of specialist education and training in relation to clinical trials to all key stakeholders. Disseminate information by attendance and /or presentations at local, national and international conferences/meetings Contribute to the development of members of the research team
EU DIRECTIVE ICH/GCP All personnel involved in clinical research have a responsibility to ensure that clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the EU Directive and ICH/GCP.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered General Nurse -Currently registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council. First Degree or relevant clinical experience
Desirable
Post-graduate qualification in oncology and/or clinical research GCP/ICH recognised recent training
Experience Essential
Experience of oncology nursing Experience of working autonomously and as part of a Multi-disciplinary team Ability to demonstrate evidence of service improvement
Desirable
Experience of working in a clinical research environment
Skills Essential
Highly effective communication skills Advance organisational skills Good written and analytical skills Able to manage work autonomously and manage own workload Demonstrable IT Skills - able to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
Desirable
Intra-venous access and cannulation skills administration of IV chemotherapy Good presentation skills
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the clinical trial process Knowledge of ICH-GCP & research governance framework Knowledge of professional and NHS issues and policy relating to specialist area
Desirable
Knowledge of Research Ethics Committees Knowledge of the purpose of clinical research
Values Essential
Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other Essential
Maintain professional development and have an awareness of current nursing issues Demonstrates flexibility in working hours
Desirable
Assertiveness2
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).
Employer details Employer name The Christie NHS FT
Address Phase 1 - Q01312
Manchester
M20 4BX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)