Research Nurse / Practitioner

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Nurse/ Practitioner to join our busy research delivery team to ensure the smooth running of our mental health and dementia portfolio. The post holder may have opportunities to work on a range of studies involving patients, service users and their carers with the support of the wider research team. They may work independently on the set up and delivery of some of our less complex studies.

The post holders will need to demonstrate flair, enthusiasm and exceptional organisational and communication skills. The post holder must be able to travel independently as required around Devon.

This is a full time fixed term contract for 12 months to cover maternity leave. We will consider offering this as an internal secondment.

We are hoping to hold interviews on the 4/6/2024, The main duties of this role are recruiting to National Institution of Health Research portfolio adopted studies, carrying out research activities such as patient visits (home and in clinics). Research assessments, physical assessments and completion of various rating scales., To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner with patients, people who use services and their carers who may have specific difficulties in understand and/or communicating and who may be distressed.

To work closely with colleagues in other multi-professional teams on a day to day basis.

To communicate with a wide range of health & social care staff in hospital and in community settings in a skilled and sensitive manner, complex and sensitive information concerning the participation of the patient in a clinical trial.

To provide support & guidance in the application of psychological principles and techniques, and to foster reflective practice.

To maintain and build good working relationships with senior professional staff and managers in the Trust.

Work with the multidisciplinary research and clinical teams to establish and maintain effective, collaborative relationships and networks with colleagues in the interest of participants and staff.

Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, internal and external, involved in the research project.

Provide reports, both written and verbal, to trial participants and clinical / research teams regarding the progress of the research

To receive regular supervision in accordance with DPT policy guidelines

To maintain and build on skills and competencies through annual appraisal and Personal Development Plans and attend training that takes account of evidence based practice and contributes to the team objectives. To undertake continuous professional development.

To work in accordance with all policies and procedures, including the support of equal opportunities and social inclusion.

Take part in local, internal/external audits/inspection.

To plan and prioritise own workload.

To provide relevant knowledge to the planning, development and delivery of research projects.

Liaise with members of multi-disciplinary research delivery team to establish procedures for the safe and smooth running of clinical trials.

Attend team meetings, and appropriate clinics, to screen and recruit new patients.

Perform appropriate assessments and rating scales as required for screening purposes and by the study protocol (training will be provided if required).

Update appropriate patient databases to aid recruitment and reporting of recruitment.

Evaluate patient eligibility for entry to clinical studies by coordinating pre-study tests, obtaining results and arranging appropriate appointments according to the study protocol. Ensure that subsequent study specific investigations are undertaken as required by the protocol.

Facilitate the informed consent process ensuring that the patient (and carers/family) fully understand the nature of the study; and ensure that the consent form is completed accurately and filed as required.

The post holder will be responsible (where appropriate) for the assessments and documentation for follow up visits as per the trial protocols and in agreement with more senior research practitioners.

Provide ongoing information, advice and support to patients (and carers/families) regarding clinical trials.

Maintain adequate patient records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patients medical and nursing notes. Accurately document data collected into the case report forms

Complete the electronic case report e-CRF and paper case report form, in a timely and efficient manner ensuring an audit trail is evident.

Obtain any missing data and resolve queries with the clinical investigators and trial management office.

In association with the local clinical team, ensure that all adverse events are recorded and appropriately reported.

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Maintain an awareness of current advances in treatment, research and nursing practice and uses this knowledge to maintain the highest standard of care for patients with dementia and / or mental health conditions.

Recognise that promoting the welfare and safeguarding children, young people and adults is everyone's business and access training and supervision as appropriate to the role.

Raise concerns appropriately in line with the Trusts Safeguarding Adults Policy and the Child Protection Policy and interagency safeguarding procedures.

Comply with recruitment and other checks as requested by the organisation including undertaking an Enhanced Disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau.

Take responsibility for the health & safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their omissions or actions at work

The post holder is responsible for their own professional actions, acting within Trust policies and procedures and Professional Practice Guidelines, working within clearly defined occupational procedures.

To follow policy guidance in own role and to comment on proposed policy changes and service developments.

Careful use of equipment

To assist the work of less experienced assistants &/or trainees as required.

To maintain accurate records

To be responsible for using an email account to generate, monitor, and respond to the e-mail traffic by which the Trust conducts much of its internal communication.

Ensure a competent knowledge and understanding of the Department of Health Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care, ICH GCP Guidelines and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) amended regulations 2006.

Assess and evaluate the progress of on-going clinical studies and provide regular updates to the Senior CSO/CRN, clinical trial coordinating centre, local line manager and other appropriate staff.

Ensure clear and accurate record keeping.

Attend local and national meetings in relation to clinical trials as appropriate.

Proactively promote clinical trials across participating NHS Trusts and develop and foster links with various stakeholders in order to facilitate the recruitment of participants, including identifying eligible patients

Support study delivery by undertaking research activities outlined in approved study documents; facilitate the informed consent process as per legislation and the Mental Capacity Act, develop and maintain skills, experience and competence in administering rating scales, and conduct assessments with study participants

Provide staff and participants with information about the studies, the rationale for their selection and the consequences of participating

Develop sound relationships with participants based upon respect and an understanding of mental capacity and consent to participate in research

Ensure that participants have good support mechanisms before, during and following their participation in the research study

Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect recruitment to a research study

Build effective working relationships with clinical teams and university staff

Collect and maintain data and study documentation (including site files) in a systematic manner

Ensure accurate data entry, and that all data collected is stored and used in compliance with relevant statutory instruments, national and local guidelines and regulations

Undertake research activities using sound research ethics principles and adhere to Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Research Governance Framework, national and local practices and policies

Support the management team in the event of inspection from a regulatory and/or monitoring authority

Engage in multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews where appropriate

Meet with Line Manager for supervision to ensure the research project is developed according to the project plan and conducted in a legal and ethical manner.

Assist with the analysis and write-up of the research using statistical procedures, statistical software (e.g. SPSS, STATA) and other information technology and software (including word-processing, spread sheet and databases) as appropriate.

Other tasks on an ad hoc basis relating to the research as required

Work is managed rather than supervised

Accountable for own actions manager is available for reference

Manages own workload

Prioritise work in an effective manner

Work effectively with limited supervision

Act independently and use own initiative to maintain collaborative research relationships with NHS, CRN and University staff

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce and so we welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion or sexual orientation, maternity/pregnancy, marriage/civil partnership or transgender status. The Trust expects all staff to behave in a way which recognises and respects this diversity in line with the appropriate standards.

It is a requirement of all employees to have an understanding of the broad principles of the Recovery Approach and to incorporate them into every aspect of their work in support of the Trusts aim to provide services that support peoples recovery through being holistic and promoting social inclusion, self management, personal autonomy and independence.

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.,

• Knowledge of research governance framework and current legislation


• Previous use of databases.


• Ability to integrate complex data; make evaluations formulations and decisions, Clinical placements and/or supervised practice in a health care setting


• Knowledge of dementia and / or mental health conditions


• Familiarity with the issues surrounding clinical data, particularly confidentiality.


• Obtaining vital signs ( Blood pressure, pulse )


• Venepuncture or willingness to learn., Current NMC Registration or equivalent qualification in health, science or social care


• 1st Degree/Diploma in Nursing, Health, Science, Psychology or other relevant subject


• Significant post qualification experience of working in mental health care, Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject


• Current ICH-GCP Certificate


• Informed Consent Training, Experience of working with patients with dementia and/or mental health conditions and their carers


• Experience of using cognitive, non-cognitive and activities of daily living assessments


• Previous experience of working with a multidisciplinary team, Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Evidence of accuracy and attention to detail in data collection.


• Ability to deal with the public and colleagues in a pleasant and polite manner at all times.


• Willingness and ability to travel independently to patients, across the network and to events outside the region, Ability to work autonomously using own initiative, and as a member of a team


• Self motivated with the ability to prioritise, organize and plan own workload


• Diplomatic and calm under pressure.


• Able to prioritise workload


• Excellent computer skills able to use all Microsoft office package


• Proficient in use of email, the internet and word processing, An Enhanced CRB Check will be required for this role.


• Ability to work independently within defined occupational procedures and use initiative


• Ability to work as a member of a clinical team.


• Ability to tolerate ambiguity, and maintain own morale and motivation in challenging service delivery and research contexts.
  
  Our professional responsibility is to reduce the risk of infection to others as far as possible. Getting vaccinated against diseases that can be passed person-to-person in healthcare settings is part of this responsibility. The Trust will provide advice, guidance and support on vaccinations and access to vaccinations where requested., About Devon Partnership Trust


We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do