BHSCT - Cancer Clinical Research Nurse Band 6

Advertised role location: CANCER CENTRE
Official document: Band 6_Cancer Clinical Research Nurse, NI Cancer Trials Centre (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Cancer Clinical Research Nurse

LOCATION: Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Centre
Belfast City Hospital

BAND: 6

REPORTS TO: Lead Cancer Clinical Research Nurse/Network
Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Lead Cancer Clinical Research Nurse/Network
Manager

Job Summary / Main Purpose

Works unsupervised in day to day practice, in supporting the practice of cancer clinical research, co-ordinating a portfolio of cancer clinical trials and other high quality research studies. Working within the multi-professional team, is responsible for screening and recruitment, care, management and follow-up of a caseload of patients in clinical trials adhering to local and national regulatory, research and professional guidelines and policies.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will;

Clinical Research
Contribute to in-house protocol development stage on issues relating to patient and nursing activities, patient information, quality of life assessment and data collection.
Review and present clinical research nursing perspective on new protocols, at cancer clinical trials study review and adoption meeting in relation to issues such as design, practicality, ethics, feasibility and patient selection.
Attend Multidisciplinary Team Meetings and/or appropriate clinics or meetings to discuss trial eligibility and identify potential trial patients.
Consent patients, as appropriate, in relation to nurse led protocols, procedures or clinical trials which have approval for Research Nurse consent and facilitates informed consent process for other clinical trials / therapies / procedures, according to guidelines and ethical and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
Co-ordinate a portfolio of clinical trials as Primary Clinical Research Nurse, liaising closely with the Chief/Principal/Co Investigators, and Associate Clinical Research Nurse, throughout the duration of each study:
Assist the Investigator in preparation of documentation for the research governance process and national Research Ethics Committee protocol approval, or site specific assessment.
Liaise with clinical and department staff in preparation for study implementation.
In multi-centre studies, liaise with the Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or Trial Co-ordinator as appropriate, and maintains on-going communication.
Attend Investigator Meetings, as appropriate and contribute to national and international trial education and discussion.
Develop schedules and checklists of protocol activities, screening, treatment, testing and data collection forms.
Develop protocol specific 'study packs' to facilitate recruitment.
Co-ordinate and participate in protocol initiation meetings.
Provide education to nursing/medical staff regarding new protocols and updates as required, including amendments and findings.
Contribute to meetings with in-patient / out-patient staff to discuss research issues arising and incoming study activity.
Facilitate disease site-specific portfolio & trial review meetings with Investigators.
Ensure adequate supplies of documents / equipment / laboratory supplies, for performance of the study.
Identify and track potential trial patients when appropriate.
Maintain screening logs and site records as required.
Confirm patient eligibility and assists in scheduling screening investigations.
Perform patient registration and randomisation procedures as appropriate.
Update research databases such as EDGE.
Ensure hospital records meet requirements for Case Report Form completion, and liaises with data managers regarding further data processing, delivery and storage.
Ensure safe filing and storage of research related documentation.
Ensure safe storage of blood, tissue or other biological samples, required for the research.
Ensure maintenance of equipment required in research as appropriate.
Co-ordinate Quality of Life assessment, and other symptom assessment aspects of the protocol as required.
Monitor patient recruitment, and discuss recruitment problems / strategies with the investigators and provides feedback as appropriate during the Monthly Team Meeting.
Collect / document treatment toxicity and notify appropriate internal and external bodies where serious adverse events or incidents arise.
Devise a weekly appointment schedule for a case-load of patients including out-patient and Day Hospital attendances, in-patient admissions, community and GP visits and peripheral hospital protocol related attendances.
Facilitate and review protocol compliance at all stages of the trial.
Produce reports on patient profiles, trial recruitment and treatment toxicity as necessary.
Comply with, and promote GCP and Research Governance Standards for clinical trials and maintains GCP training according to Clinical Trials legislation.
Facilitate CRAs during monitoring meetings as required.
Facilitate end-of study visits as required.
Assist in audit and quality assurance procedures and meetings.
Devise other operation or communication pathways, as required, for the effective co-ordination of the study, in liaison with the Lead Clinical Research Nurse/N. Ireland Cancer Trials Network Manager, NICTC team, and study investigator.
Work in a team and act as Associate Clinical Research Nurse for a further portfolio of clinical trials, and provides cover for or assistance to other Clinical Research Nurses as required.

Clinical Practice / Patient Focused Care
Plays a key role in informed consent process including:
Provision of the current approved Patient Information Sheet.
Explanation of study procedures, treatment and research terminology, in lay terms where possible.
Explanation of the risks and benefits associated with participation in the clinical trial, including the treatment, procedures, time and any inconveniences involved.
Involvement of the patient's family / carers as appropriate.
Explanation of the patient’s rights in a research setting.
Providing contact information to allow patients to ask questions and discuss options.
Assess patient understanding and capability to consent. Liaise with the investigator and at all times act as patient advocate.
Following written consent, assess patient's on-going wishes to continue participation in the study.
Act as an on-going primary contact and resource for the patient throughout the duration of the study intervention, and follow-up, as appropriate. Provides easy access / contact for patients in clinical trials by telephone / bleep, and promotes regular communication.
Educate patients regarding treatments and possible side-effects, facilitating treatment compliance, patient's understanding, and raising awareness of the patient's process for reporting side-effects and receiving medical care or advice as appropriate during the study.
Assess the patient at each treatment visit and monitor side-effects, assessing appropriate steps to maximise patient safety and quality of life, and minimise toxicity. Monitors patient’s well-being by telephone as necessary.
Monitor patient test results, liaise with Investigator or clinical team, as necessary.
Assess patient care needs and refer and liaise with members of the multi-professional team as appropriate.
Participate in administering protocol treatments or tests, when appropriate, and when competent to do so, if these activities are beyond the scope of the role of clinical staff in the Cancer Centre.
Develop appropriate clinical, research or education, support and counselling skills as necessary within the role, to meet patient and family needs at all stages of the clinical research process and where the patient's condition / treatment / protocol / preference, or new evidence, indicates stopping study therapy is in the patient's best interest.
Ensure appropriate blood / tissue / other biological samples are collected from patients as per patient consent and protocol schedule, where these tests are not part of routine care / are not processed in local clinical laboratories. Provides appropriate care of patient venous access devise at this time.
Process blood / tissue / other biological samples as per protocol. Centrifuge blood and prepare appropriate aliquots of serum or plasma as directed by protocol. Prepare all samples for storage, shipping or posting.
Ensure safe maintenance of appropriate laboratory equipment, supplies and specimens.
Comply with hospital policies and COSHH guidelines as appropriate.

Education, Practice and Professional Development
Contribute to the induction programme of new Clinical Research Nurse
Staff and other members of the NICTN staff, as required.
Act as mentor to less experienced staff, as required.
Act as a resource regarding a portfolio of protocols and provides education about the Clinical Research Nurse role and the clinical research process to
Hospital personnel and visitors to the NICTN.
Provide formal and informal education sessions to nursing students and
Staff on placement to NICTN.
Identify educational needs and goals and identifies opportunities to support these in line with NICTN and Cancer Specialist Services.
Expand specialist nursing knowledge in oncology / haematology, disease interest and clinical research.
Attend and contribute to research seminars, rounds, and staff meetings in the Service group or Trust level.
Attend national and international educational events, as appropriate, and provide evaluation and feedback to NICTN or Cancer Specialist Services.
Pursue nursing research evidence and, identify relevant research questions related to patient and nursing issues, developing nursing research protocols, or practice guidelines as appropriate. Performs or facilitates nursing research, as appropriate.
Develop conference posters and presentations as appropriate.
Refer to Lead Clinical Research Nurse/Network Manager and Clinical
Research Nurse Team regarding role development.
Act as Link nurse to NICTN Clinical Research Nurses for specialist services or specialist knowledge.
Participate in annual Personal Contribution and Knowledge and Skills Framework review.
Develop reflective practice and maintains personal action plans.
Maintain training records and attendance at Mandatory Training sessions as per hospital policy.
Ensure NMC PREP requirements are fulfilled.

Management
Rotate into Team Leader role as appropriate for defined time periods.
Contribute to weekly Clinical Research Nurses meetings, facilitating team work, highlighting progress, and problems and identifying problem solving approaches.
Organise weekly work schedule, and liaises with Lead Clinical Research Nurse/N Ireland Cancer Trials Network Manager and team regarding workload or any other issues.

Assist in the development of research policies / procedures / standard operating procedures for NICTC.
Supervise more junior staff as necessary.
Act as representative for Lead Clinical Research Nurse/N Ireland Cancer Trials Network Manager, in their absence, when required.
Contribute to monthly NICTC team meeting, facilitating team work, and assisting team in identifying issues and problem solving approaches. Assists meeting administration as appropriate.
Assess relevant stocks and notify where supplies, equipment or other resources are required.
Apply appropriate process in notification to incidents or faults.
Adhere to Trust and NICTC policies and procedures.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:-
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Cancer Clinical Research Nurse / Band 6

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Centre Belfast
City Hospital / Medical Directorate

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience
RGN/Part 1 (Adult) of NMC Register.
Have a diploma in nursing and currently undertaking or willing to undertake a degree.
Evidence of post basic education in cancer or research related subject.
Competent in venepuncture.
Minimum 2 years post registration experience in Oncology/Haematology Nursing (Including chemotherapy experience).

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Ability to work unsupervised.
Computer skills or willingness to undertake relevant training.
Flexibility to work hours required to do the job.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Motivated and committed to delivery of high quality clinical research.

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience

Research or clinical research experience.
Shortlisting by Application Form

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role