Senior Research Nurse - Cardiovascular | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Nurse to play a key role in developing a programme of translational research funded by the British Heart Foundation. In conjunction with national and international collaborators we are instigating translational studies to stratify patients with intermittent claudication, a manifestation of peripheral arterial disease. In parallel, we aim to further develop our novel approaches for treating these patients using cell and gene therapies. The successful candidate will become an integral part of our interdisciplinary research team, that includes clinical academic surgeons, non-clinical scientists, other research nurses and data administrators. The successful individual will beresponsible for the identifying and recruiting suitable patients, clinical assessment and follow up of these research participants and obtaining their blood samples. We are looking for a dynamic individual who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to work independently and flexibly. They will be strong advocates for patients and for research, able to effectively recruit participants and provide the needed support to these individuals. The post will involve identifying patients presenting to our NHS Trust hospital sites, namely, at Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and other sites as required. Typical duties will involve consenting patients prior to their hospital visit, collecting blood samples, collating patient related clinical data and being responsible for clinical assessments at follow up intervals (eg. Activity assessment and tracking). The role will involve working closely with multidisciplinary clinical and non-clinical scientific teams. The post will be based at St Thomas' Hospital which is the location of both the GSTT Vascular Surgery Department and KCL's Cardiovascular research facilities. It is a requirement of employment that the post holder be prepared to work at any additional or different location owned or served by the Trust, either on an on-going or temporary basis, according to the demands of the service and,on occasion, working outside of normal working hours. Should the need arise, this will be agreed well in advance., CLINICAL:

• Work autonomously to manage and coordinate own portfolio of clinical research whilst working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Maintaining effective communication with patients, carers and professionals to ensure service delivery. Assist in selecting, screening and organising the patients and/or volunteers suitable for entry into clinical trials/studies.
• Ensure patients are fully informed prior to entry in any clinical research programme and play a key role in eliciting informed consent to participate, and in randomising and allocating treatments.
• To provide ongoing advice and information to patients/volunteers with regards to their participation in clinical research in order to facilitate effective informed consent.
• Evaluate patient eligibility for clinical trials/studies entry, co-ordinating pre-study tests, obtaining results and arranging appropriate appointments according to the research protocol. Act as a resource and support to patients and their relatives, explaining practical aspects of the trial or study, assisting and supporting local nursing teams.
• Coordinate the collection of any biological samples required as part of the clinical trial/study and ensure safe and appropriate storage of specimens, in conjunction with local nursing teams.
• Ensure the safe administration of trial drugs, have in-depth knowledge of the legal requirements of a clinical trial sponsor regarding pharmacovigilance and of the Trust pharmacovigilance policy. Report any adverse events and reactions in accordance with this policy and the trial protocol.
• At all times to ensure clear, accurate records, developing data collection, case report forms and design of database where required for patient and staff records.
• Implement and adhere to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ensure that all trials are conducted according to the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and Amended Regulations 2006 where appropriate.
• Liaising with the Joint Clinical Trials Office and Trusts' R&D Offices relating to submission of the study for regulatory approval and Trust Management approval. Assist in completing submissions to the Research Ethics Committee as required.
• Perform tasks requiring highly developed clinical skills including phlebotomy, cannulation, etcand the administration of trial drugs, and to keep up to date with current practices for cannulation, phlebotomyetc,
• To oversee the routine maintenance and servicing of clinical equipment
MANAGEMENT:
• To act as clinical supervisor to junior research staff and act as a role model for excellence in clinical research.
• To represent Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and London (South) CLRN as an expert research nurse in external situations, for example national and international conferences, committees etc.
• To report to the Divisional Clinical Governance team any adverse incident/near misses in relation to that activity
• To facilitate and maintain effective communication within the clinical team.
• To responsibly manage the control of equipment, resources and stock through the adherence of research policies and clinical trials budgets.
EDUCATION:
• Ensure mandatory clinical trials training is undertaken and updated as required.
• To be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with P.R.E.P.
PROFESSIONAL:
• You will be accountable for your own professional actions, and be a lead specialist for defined area acting within clearly defined policies/procedures and codes of conduct including the NMC code and Trust policy.
• To act in accordance with local policies and procedures laid down by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and other London (South) CLRN member organisations, and ensure that all mandatory training for nursing staff within the Trust is attended.
• To work within the NMC Scope of Professional Practice and Code of Conduct.
• To undertake an IPR annually to identify organisational and professional objectives and developmental needs.
• To keep up to date with departmental, Trust, NHS, academic and EU developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely, effective implementation of changes.
• To attend courses as deemed relevant, including mandatory training, and to attend meetings and conferences as appropriate
  
  Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark. We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and - as part of King's Health Partners - we are one of England's eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have around 22,700 staff, making us one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one of the biggest employers locally. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GPs. The post holder will work within a diverse team of Clinicians and scientists. Key relationships include Modern Matron for Research, Consultants and Junior Medical Staff, Nursing Staff, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Allied Health Professionals, Administrative and Clerical Support Staff, Professional and Technical staff.