MISSION STATEMENT
To provide for all the qualities of service we expect for our families and ourselves.
   
Job Description
Post
NICRN Clinical Stroke Research Nurse (Temporary/Secondment for 3years)

Band
6
HPSS (Agenda for Change) pay and terms and conditions will apply.  Further information on Agenda for Change is available on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Northern Ireland website:
http://www.wise.nhs.uk/cmsWISE/Workforce+Themes/Retaining
_and_Developing_Staff/PayandReward/ImplementingAgendaforChange/JobProfiles

Department
Medicine and Unscheduled Care

Base
Antrim Area Hospital

Reports to
Lead Nurse for Medicine

Responsible to
General Manager for Medicine

Job Summary
Work as a member of the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN) to support and promote the practice of clinical research in NHSCT.

Work in partnership with Head of Nursing Research and Development to share learning and contribute to the development of a robust research infrastructure within nursing and midwifery in the NHSCT.

Work independently in day-to-day practice co-ordinating a portfolio of clinical trials.

Working within the multi-professional team.

Taking responsibility for screening and recruitment of patients care management and follow-up of a caseload of patients in clinical trials adhering to local and national regulatory, research and professional nursing guidelines, policies and standard operating procedures. 
Key result areas/ Main responsibilities

CLINICAL RESEARCH

1. Contributes to local protocol development relating to patient and nursing activities, patient information, quality of life assessment and data collection.
2. Contributes to evaluation of new protocols in relation to issues such as design, practicality, ethics, feasibility and patient selection, in general and also with specific reference to NHSCT.

3. Attends Multi-professional Team Meetings and/or appropriate clinics or meetings and/or reviews of patients to discuss trial eligibility, screen and identify potential trial patients and recruit new patients. 
4. Ensures patients provide informed consent in keeping with best practice standards.  Consents patients, as appropriate in relation to nurse led protocols or procedures, and facilitates informed consent process for other clinical trials / therapies / procedures, according to Standard Operating Procedures and ethical and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
5. Assist in meeting targets for patient accrual into the NICRN and UK Research Network portfolio.
6. Act as a NICRN resource for [NETWORK SPECIFIC] research in conjunction with the NICRN Manager/Coordinator, this may involve travel to other hospitals within (the NHSC Trust in) Northern Ireland.
7. Manages a portfolio of clinical trials as NICRN Clinical Research Nurse, as appropriate, liaising closely with the Chief/Principal/Co Investigators, and other staff as appropriate, throughout the duration of each study:

* Assists the Investigator in preparation of documentation for the Research Governance Process (including NRES, MHRA and other regulatory processes).
* Maintains communications with the Sponsor, the National Research Ethics Service and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in relation to protocol amendments, pharmacovigilance, progress reports and trial conclusion
* Liaises with clinical and department staff in preparation for study implementation.
* In multi-centre studies, liaises with Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or Trial Co-ordinator as appropriate, and maintains on-going communication.
* Attends Investigator meetings as appropriate and contributes to national and international trial education and discussion.
* Develops schedules and checklists of protocol activities, screening, treatment, testing and data collection forms. 
* Develops protocol specific 'study packs' to facilitate recruitment.
* Co-ordinates and participates in protocol initiation meetings.
* Provides education to nursing/medical staff regarding new protocols and updates as required, including amendments and findings.
* Contributes to meetings with in-patient / out-patient staff to discuss research issues arising and incoming study activity.
* Facilitates disease site-specific portfolio / trial review meetings with Investigators.
* Ensures adequate supplies of documents / equipment / laboratory supplies, for performance of the study.
* Identifies and tracks potential trial patients when appropriate.
* Maintains screening logs and site records as required.
* Confirms patient eligibility and assists in scheduling screening investigations.
* Performs patient registration and randomisation procedures as appropriate.
* Generates relevant accrual data and information for the HSC Trust and NICRN.
* Completes Case Report Forms for each study patient.

* Ensures hospital records meet requirements for Case Report Form completion, and liaises with NICRN Manager, NICRN Coordinator, data manager were appropriate regarding further data processing, delivery and storage. 
* Ensures safe filing and storage of research related documentation.
* Monitors patient recruitment, identifies and discusses recruitment problems / strategies with investigator and provides feedback to the NICRN Manager/Coordinator, Clinical Leads and Executive Committee Meetings.
* Collects / documents treatment toxicity and notifies appropriate internal and external bodies where serious adverse events or incidents arise.
* Devises weekly appointment schedule for case-load of patients including out-patient and Day Hospital attendances, in-patient admissions, community and GP visits and peripheral hospital protocol related attendances. 
* Facilitates and reviews protocol compliance at all stages of the trial.
* Produces reports on patient profiles, trial recruitment and treatment toxicity as necessary. 
* Complies with, and promotes GCP and Research Governance Standards for clinical trials and maintains GCP training according to Clinical Trials legislation.
* Facilitates CRA during monitoring meetings as required.
* Facilitates end-of study visits as required.
* Assists in audit and quality assurance procedures and meetings.
* Devise other operations or communication pathways, as required, for the effective co-ordination of the study, in liaison with the study investigator and NICRN Manager/Coordinator. 

CLINICAL RESEARCH PRACTICE

1. Plays a key role in informed consent process including:
* Provision of the current approved Patient or legal representative/next of kin 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 patients rights in a research setting.
* Providing contact information to allow patients or legal representative/ next of kin to ask questions and discuss options. 
* To provide ongoing information, education and support to patients (and their significant others) regarding clinical trials.
* Assess patient understanding and capability to consent.  Liaise with investigator and at all times act as patient advocate.
* Following written consent, assess patient's on-going wishes to continue participation in the study.
* In situations where surrogate legal representative/next of kin consent is obtained on behalf of a patient who is not competent to give consent due to acute illness, arrange follow-up and obtain consent from the patient if possible when they regain the capacity to give consent.

2. Acts as an on-going primary contact and resource for the patient/legal representative/next of kin throughout the duration of the study intervention, and follow-up, as appropriate. Provides easy access / contact for patients (or their next of kin) in clinical trials by telephone / bleep, and promotes regular communication. 
3. Educates patients (or their legal representative/next of kin) 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. 
4. Assesses the patient as an in-patient or at each treatment visit and monitors 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. 
5. Monitors patient test results, liaises with Investigator or clinical team, as necessary and initiates changes to treatment as required per protocol.
6. Assesses patient care needs and refers and liaises with members of the multi-professional team as appropriate.
7. Participates 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 NHSC Trust.
8. Develops appropriate clinical, research, 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.
9. Ensures 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 and arterial access devise at this time.
10. Processes blood / tissue / other biological samples as per protocol.  Centrifuges blood and prepares appropriate aliquots of serum or plasma as directed by protocol. Prepares all samples for storage, shipping or posting.  
11. Ensures safe maintenance of appropriate laboratory equipment, supplies and specimens. 
12. Complies with hospital policies and COSHH guidelines as appropriate.

EDUCATION, PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Acts as a resource regarding a portfolio of protocols and provides education about
NICRN Clinical Research Nurse role and the clinical research process to hospital personnel  and visitors to the NHSCT. 
2. Identifies educational needs and goals and identifies opportunities to support these in line with the relevant nursing vision and strategy.
3. Attends and contributes to research seminars, rounds, and staff meetings in the
NHSC Trust and the NICRN.
4. Attends national and international educational events, as appropriate, and provides
evaluation and feedback to the study investigator, NICRN Manager/ Coordinator and NICRN  Clinical Research Nurse colleagues.

5. Pursues nursing research evidence and, identifies 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.
6. Develops conference posters and presentations as appropriate.
7. Refers to the NICRN Manager/ Coordinator and NICRN Clinical Research Nurse colleagues regarding role development.
8. Participates in Clinical Research Nurse Action Plans
9. Contributes to induction of new NICRN Clinical Research Nurses, and other members of the NICRN, as required.
10. Acts as mentor to less experienced staff, as required and facilitates staff induction where required. 
11. Acts as a resource to non-research staff with regard the educating on the conduct of the clinical research process within the NHS.
12. Participates in Personal Performance and Development Review

MANAGEMENT
1. Contributes to NICRN Clinical Research Nurses meetings, facilitating teamwork, highlighting progress, problems and identifying problem solving approaches. 
2. Organises weekly work schedule, and liaises with NICRN Manager/ Coordinator and NICRN team regarding workload or any other issues.
3. Assists in the development of research policies / procedures / standard operating procedures for NICRN and adheres to existing Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and codes of conduct.
4. Acts as representative for the NICRN, when required.
5. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
6. Ensures that the views of consumers are effectively sought, channelled and acted upon, including the efficient actioning of the complaints procedure in accordance with the Trust policy.
7. Ensures systems are in place for the safe use of medical devices, incidents and accidents are recorded and reported in line with NHSCT policy.

General Management responsibilities
* Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HPSS managers which states that managers will be expected to work with integrity, honesty and openness, probity, accountability and respect, available on www.dhsspsni.gov.uk or in the HR Policies and Procedures Handbooks held in Directorates;

* Ensure the appropriate governance and risk management arrangements are in place for the services you are responsible for and take appropriate action to identify and manage risk and to maintain safety of users, staff and others in accordance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures;

* It is essential to ensure that the highest standards of infection prevention and control are maintained to ensure patient and client safety and maintain confidence in the Trust.  As a Manager, you must ensure that you implement all instructions/ policy in this area and that all staff are made aware of and fully comply with these.

* Where the postholder has responsibility for managing a budget, ensure that services are managed and developed both in accordance with agreed and funded priorities as set out on a yearly basis and in accordance with Standing Financial Instructions, particularly ensuring your compliance with payroll documentation procedures and timescales;

* Ensure the necessary arrangements are in place in regard to the 'Knowledge and Skills Framework' outlines, where this applies, for the posts for which you have management responsibility and ensure that each member of staff has an annual development and performance review, a personal development plan and that arrangements are in place to ensure that staff have maximum opportunity to progress through gateways in their pay bands and to contribute effectively towards our objectives;

* Promote a culture of continuous service improvement amongst your staff, encouraging their participation and that of service users in reviewing and modernising current services and in service development;

* Make sure you are trained and competent in the relevant policies and procedures which apply to the management of staff and other resources and abide by these policies; seeking advice as necessary from senior management or specialist staff as necessary;

* Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working relationships amongst your staff and with others;

* Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to staff in order to ensure optimum and effective service delivery and decision-making, whilst retaining overall accountability and responsibility for outcomes;

* Promote a culture of learning and development and facilitate arrangements for and participate in training and development of staff as agreed for the performance of their duties.  Where training is in accordance with relevant standards make sure you have the relevant competences in order to carry out this responsibility;

* Promote equality of opportunity for all by personal action, both in the management of your staff and in the provision of care to service users in accordance with the Trust's Equality of Opportunity Policy and Equality Scheme;

* Take responsibility for ensuring appropriate standards of environmental cleanliness and for encouraging staff to maintain standards in their work area.  Have an awareness of environmental issues and take appropriate action, for example to ensure the efficient use of energy and other resources, recycling etc.;

* Make sure that staff are aware of trust policies regarding the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Records Management and that they must not disclose, withhold, retain or dispose of any information unless legally authorised.

General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust will be 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
* Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety
* Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them
* Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control
* Comply with the Trust's No Smoking Policy
* Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations
* Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment
* Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision
* Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct
Records Management
All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998. Employees are required to be conversant with the Trust's) policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Pay and Terms and Conditions
HPSS (Agenda for Change) pay and terms and conditions will apply.  Further information on Agenda for Change is available on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Northern Ireland website:
http://www.wise.nhs.uk/cmsWISE/Workforce+Themes/Retaining
_and_Developing_Staff/PayandReward/ImplementingAgendaforChange/JobProfiles

Salary

£24,831-£33,436 per annum pro-rata

Hours

18.75 hours per week, jobshare

Medical

Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment.

Holidays

27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years' service, 33 days after 10 years' service and 10 statutory and public holidays.

Pension

The postholder can participate in the Health and Personal Social Services Superannuation Scheme.

Probationary Period

You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.

Waiting List
The Trust may compile a waiting list for temporary, full/part-time posts that may arise within the next 9 months

Closing Date

Completed application forms should be returned to the Human Resources Department, Bush House, 45 Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2QB on or before the closing date as stated in the advertisement.

Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification.

We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the jobholder. We do not intend it to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the jobholder works.

November 2009

Dear Applicant

Thank you for showing interest in our advertisement.   Please read the following before completing your application form.   Hopefully this will assist you to give us the information we need.

§         We do not accept curricula vitae (CV’s) unless our advertisement specifically asks for them.  If you enclose a CV when it is not required we will remove it from your application. 

§         It is therefore important that you complete each section of our application form giving the information requested.

§         You should complete the application form in black ink or in typescript.

§         Pay particular attention to the essential criteria detailed on the Personnel Specification and make sure you address these requirements when completing your application form.  Shortlisting will be based only on the information on your form.

§         If you do not complete the application form fully, it may mean that your application cannot be assessed against the criteria and you may not be shortlisted.  We cannot make any assumptions about such information, so it is in your own interests to make sure that every relevant piece of information is included in your application.

§         If the section on the application form does not have sufficient space, you should continue on additional sheet(s) of paper and attach these to the application form, clearly referencing each sheet.

§         When naming referees, at least one must be your current employer/supervisor who can comment on your work performance/record.  If you are not employed you should give the name of your most recent employer/supervisor. If you are a student, you should give your college tutor/lecturer or teacher/principal.  Please note that relatives must not be used.  (Where it is felt appropriate we may ask you for a reference from your former employers.)

§         Please give full details of all qualifications requested including the level of the examination for example GCSE, the result for example grade B, and the year obtained.  If you are a registered practitioner, such as a doctor or nurse you should make sure you give all details requested including your Registration or PIN Number.  Please note that we will wish to verify all details relating to relevant qualifications before employment starts.

§         When completing the ‘experience’ section you must give exact dates of when you started and finished each period of employment (eg 2 June 1993 – 16 August 1997).  Also give details of your reasons for leaving each post.

§         Please note the closing date and time stated on the advertisement and application form.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your completed application is delivered to the Human Resources Department by the time and date stated.  Applications posted by Royal Mail which arrive late will be accepted if the postmark shows they were posted in time and with the correct postage.  Existing Health and Social Services staff should note that the use of the internal mail service is at their own risk.

§         You will note that, on the application form, you are asked to indicate if you have a disability.   Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, if you have or have had a disability, we will consider making reasonable adjustments in relation to your participation in the recruitment process, for example, in relation to interview arrangements, including access arrangements.  It is important that you answer ‘yes’ to this question, if you consider you have a disability.  If you do not, reasonable adjustment arrangements offered to disabled applicants will not be applied to your application.

§         Data Protection – you have a number of rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 in respect of personal data held by others, including rights of access.  By signing your application form you are agreeing that the information it contains can be used to process your application for employment.  Your form will be held on a file with those of other applicants who apply for the vacancy and we will also enter your personal details on our computerised recruitment system for processing and monitoring purposes.  Your monitoring slip, outlining information about your community background, etc, will be removed and held separately and will not be available to the shortlisting and interviewing panels.  We will use this information to comply with our legal obligations to monitor under equal opportunities legislation.   Should you be successful in your application for employment your personal details will be transferred to the Trust’s employment records.

I hope that this letter is helpful and I look forward to receiving your application.

Yours faithfully

Jacinta Melaugh

Director of Human Resources

July 2007