Research Nurse

Job overview

The DREEAM Research Team have a vacancy for a Band 6 Research Nurse to join in conducting and delivering research across the emergency, acute care and critical care department at NUH. This is an exciting opportunity for a nurse with strong clinical skills to broaden their career into a research role. Previous research experience is preferred but not essential. Our main requirement is that you have some emergency or critical care experience and bags of enthusiasm for research and evidence-based care in the NHS.

Successful candidates will contribute to the delivery of all of our research projects, so the workload is varied, fast passed and rewarding. Our Band 6 nurses are expected to be involved in taking a study from conception to delivery as well as supporting junior staff in this, and therefore a knowledge of the health research authority approval process is beneficial but not essential.  The role also requires nurses to take overall responsibility for the conduct of specific studies including feasibility planning, regulatory approvals and providing training and promotion of projects to clinical colleagues. We work closely with the DREEAM Education Team to ensure research is embedded into clinical care.

Main duties of the job

We are a small team with big ambitions requiring flexibility and an ability to work effectively in unfamiliar environments. You will have an opportunity to contribute to planning your rota whilst ensuring adequate and safe cover with respect and consideration of colleagues. You will be expected to flexibly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients within your care, coordinating your work with others. This position also requires some cross-site working although your main base will be QMC. Our team is responsible for the ‘research care’ of inpatients in a variety of wards and departments beyond ED and ICU, which may continue throughout their hospital stay and beyond.

You will be proactive in problem solving and decision-making and able to establish good relationships with Trial participants to ensure their safety and the generation of high-quality research data. You will be required to display exemplary accuracy in data collection, record keeping and attention to details in delivering complex protocolised care. Our team’s commitment to inter-disciplinary and collaborative working requires you to have exemplary inter-personal skills, independence and professional self-confidence in making decisions. The successful applicant will have regular opportunities to present at conferences. We also encourage continued professional development and will expect the successful applicant to take ownership of this.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Administer, co-ordinate and manage the collection of data relating to ongoing clinical studies in the DREEAM portfolio and assist with recruitment into other studies when required.
• Screen, identify, recruit and follow-up appropriate patients for clinical studies.
• Demonstrate excellence and professionalism in all modes of communication: in writing, in person, via telephone and using ‘new’ media.
• Carry out and/or monitor all trial-related and other clinical care procedures for research participants to the highest safety standards.
• Demonstrate keyboard, word processing and database skills, adapting to the required needs of specialist and trial-specific systems.
• Perform trial and other procedures competently and in accordance with local Trust policies e.g. ECG, sample processing, pregnancy testing, venepuncture, I.V cannulation.
• Ensure that the processing and storage of biological samples meets the necessary requirements of the research protocol in order to ensure safe handling and quality.
• Take responsibility for seeking consent from patients and relatives and/or provide support to medical colleagues in doing so. Approach patients and/or relatives during their inpatient stay to gain retrospective informed consent where appropriate.
• Liaise with clinical research associates involved in specific clinical trials and report any concerns or safety problems to the appropriate authority.
• Undertake research work under minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate records and other documentation appropriate to the individual trials.
• Take responsibility for groups of patients in specific trials to coordinate all aspects of their participation.
• Contribute to the efficient set-up of new clinical trials as required and take the role of lead nurse on individual trials to improve continuity and effectiveness.
• Ensure all trials are carried out in accordance with ICH-GCP guidelines.
• Represent DREEAM at investigator meetings and conferences associated with clinical trials and as an advocate for NHS research and evidence-based care.
• Ensure G.P.s are informed of, and updated on their patients’ participation in clinical trials in the portfolio where required.
• Ensure that the rights, dignity and confidentiality of research participants and their families are protected at all times.
• Actively maintain and promote effective communication within the department, the multi-professional team, patients and their families and other departments or organisations within the trust and network. Be a committed and supportive member of our small research team.
• Take responsibility for ensuring safe keeping and archiving of all data from clinical studies in line with relevant legislation and local guidance.
• Prepare for and facilitate trial monitoring by sponsors and regulatory authorities as required.
• Assist in audit inspections and demonstrate knowledge of the audit process as a resource for clinical colleagues.
• Ensure all members of the multi-professional team are aware of the clinical trials on the unit through formal and informal teaching.
• Keep abreast of developments in Emergency and Critical Care research in order to carry out the role effectively and competently.
• Adopt a proactive approach to ensuring your own education and demonstrate a commitment to the development of the skills, knowledge and confidence of colleagues.
• Assist in the education of all members of the multi-professional team in the research process, details of specific trials and act as a general resource on research matters when required.
• Work with the DREEAM Emergency Department Education Team to support the delivery of evidence-based education and promote the ethos of DREEAM and NHS research.
• Adopt a professional and patient-centred approach to prioritising workload and demonstrate effective strategies for managing the care of patients and their families.
• Demonstrate excellence in carrying out nursing procedures and techniques in accordance with agreed policies and standards when applicable.
• Report to medical and/or senior nursing staff on the condition and progress of patients.
• Demonstrate excellence in carrying out trial-specific procedures / techniques in accordance with trial protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Work in a supernumerary capacity for occasional nursing shifts to maintain clinical skills and links with clinical areas.
• Contribute towards maintaining an environment conducive to learning and development.
• Contribute towards ensuring that research influences practice and education.