About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic Band 6 Research Nurse within the Head and Neck Research Unit to support increasing study recruitment and delivery of complex injectable studies, whilst being a supportive keyworker for patients diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a world-leading cancer centre and contribute to the delivery of a growing portfolio of innovative clinical research studies.
Our research portfolio is increasingly focused on injectable and early-phase novel studies, which represent a unique and strategically important area of activity for the unit. These studies require intensive nursing input and clinical competencies that extend beyond standard research delivery. For example, the management of a single injectable trial participant often requires a research nurse's involvement for the entirety of a clinical day. This role provides an excellent opportunity for a nurse with an interest in early-phase Head & Neck oncology clinical trials to develop their specialist research clinical skills.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will primarily work under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurses or Lead Research Nurse within the Head and Neck research team at Chelsea and has a key role to play in the day-to-day running of clinical trials within the Trust. These trials may be related to anti-cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, gene therapy or surgery), symptom management or some other aspect of cancer care, such as screening. Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial. Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, they will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients' advocate. An important aspect of the role is the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records of data derived from the research studies. The post holder will be involved in ensuring that any research undertaken within the department safeguards the wellbeing of the patients and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
To coordinate arrangements required for patients undergoing specialist investigations as part of the research protocol. To assess the patient prior to trial treatment, monitor the patient receiving trial treatment and follow the patient up on completion of trial treatment as required by protocol. To collect and accurately record data in accordance with requirements of the trial protocol. To participate in the design and preparation of research protocols, patient information sheets and other documentation associated with clinical trials, ensuring that these are reviewed and updated as required. To safeguard the integrity of the trial by ensuring compliance with ICH GCP guidelines. To be involved with the running of several concurrent research studies. To disseminate research data by preparing and presenting posters or research papers for presentations at meetings, conferences, and publication.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications Essential
NMC registration Relevant diploma / degree Post registration experience in cancer care / acute care environment Basic computer literacy Research methods education Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Desirable
Post registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification MSc or studying at relevant level Competence in research orientated PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS)
Experience Essential
Experience as a senior staff nurse working in oncology nursing or other relevant area Personal and Leadership Management experience
Desirable
Previous experience in clinical speciality of post applied for Competency skills e.g. IV giver, Chemotherapy giver Evidence of innovative practice, service development or change management
Skills Abilities/knowledge Essential
Advanced organisational skills and ability to managed multiple projects at various stages of development and organisation Excellent cross-disciplinary /interagency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships Confident and articulate Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise Ability to innovate and respond to change Able to work unsupervised Experience of team leadership or team building initiatives Computer literate in Microsoft outlook, office, word, excel and PowerPoint
Desirable
Ability to initiate and drive original research Ability to appraise junior staff through performance review
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.
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 Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea
Chelsea
SW3 6JJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)