Research Nurse

Job overview

Band 7 Research Nurse– Gynae Units, Chelsea

Full-time is preferred but will consider part-time.  Please indicate this clearly in your supporting statement.

The Gynae Unit at the Royal Marsden is looking for an experienced research nurse to join our team.  We have a large research portfolio and are looking for someone who is motivated with an enthusiastic approach to work.

We are looking for Band 7 nurse who is committed to providing a high standard of care to our research patients. This post will involve the management, administration and facilitation of research projects in accordance with ICH-GCP and Research Governance Guidelines. You will be expected to screen, recruit, support and be an advocate to patients on cutting edge Commercial, RMH sponsored and Observational studies.

The post requires excellent communication skills, the ability to prioritise and a flexible working approach. The post holder must have the confidence to make decisions, solve problems and work autonomously as well as within the multidisciplinary team.  Oncology experience in Gynae cancer is highly desirable and research experience is an essential requirement.

For more information please contact: Lizzie King  , Lead Research Nurse, Gynae Unit  020 8661 3332

Main duties of the job

The experienced research nurse works as a self-directed practitioner, with a key role to play in the organisation and management 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, s/he will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate.  S/he will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio, collaborating with key personnel to ensure continued care and support for patients involved in clinical trials.

The post holder will support more junior research nurses, assisting them to develop their clinical research skills thorough education and training. Further responsibility will include monitoring and raising the standard of nursing input within the team.

The opportunity to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Senior Nurse, Clinical Trials, is also encouraged.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

• To assess and evaluate the progress of on-going clinical trials and research undertaken in the unit, maintaining an accurate account of the status of the projects and to regularly update the department on the status
• To assist with the organisation and implementation of clinical trials, and liaising closely with the multi-disciplinary team to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to patient care
• To provide advice and information to patients/volunteers with regard to their participation in clinical research in order to facilitate effective informed consent, ensuring the patient (or where appropriate the parent/ guardian or next of kin) fully understands the nature of the clinical trial, of voluntary entry to the clinical trial and freedom to withdraw at any time without prejudice to treatment
• To act as a support for patients and relatives throughout the trial, providing information as well as physical, spiritual and emotional support where necessary, and referring to other healthcare professionals where appropriate
• To keep up to date with relevant statutory developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely and effective implementation of any required changes
• To keep up to date with research or clinical developments relevant to the care of patients in the clinical area
• To take responsibility for the supervision of junior research nurses in the research team and to act as a resource to ensure that they optimise their clinical research skills and potential
• To work closely with the Senior Nurse, Clinical Trials to ensure that best practice is achieved.