The significance of the Research Nurse at The Royal Surrey lies in the profound synergy between expert clinical practice and the active delivery of healthcare science. This role expands the traditional nursing vocation, allowing a practitioner to be the vital link that moves a research protocol from a static document into a high-quality clinical reality within the specialised field of oncology.
Navigating the Research Journey
At the heart of this role is the opportunity to guide patients through the unique complexities of research delivery. This environment allows for a structured and highly focused relationship with participants. The meaning is found in ensuring that every participant is empowered to contribute to the future of healthcare science with confidence. There is a deep professional reward in being the expert presence who ensures that the patient’s experience is safe, informed, and seamless as they help unlock new possibilities in oncology care.
Research Set-up and Delivery
- Study Coordination: Support the initial set-up and ongoing delivery of oncology research studies, ensuring all activities comply with ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and international regulations.
- Patient Screening: Identify and screen potential subjects for research eligibility, proactively developing action plans to overcome any recruitment barriers.
- Informed Consent: Lead/assist with the consent process by ensuring participants fully understand the voluntary nature of the trial, the procedures involved, and their right to withdraw at any time.
- Investigation Management: Organise and facilitate all necessary clinical investigations required by the trial protocol, including the collection of measurements and accurate documentation.
- Sample Oversight: Perform and assist with clinical tasks such as cannulation and phlebotomy, while overseeing the processing, centrifugation, and storage of blood samples.
Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.
Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Excellence in Research Implementation
For a candidate, the appeal lies in the ability to deliver care with total precision and a focus on trial integrity. This role offers the space to ensure that every investigation is carried out to the highest standard, ensuring that research outcomes are robust and reliable. It is nursing at its most attentive; your diligence in the delivery of a protocol ensures that every patient interaction is safe and that the data gathered is of the highest quality. The satisfaction comes from knowing that your high standards of practice today are directly shaping the evidence base that will guide nursing care and treatment for oncology patients in the future.
Research Set-up and Delivery
- Study Coordination: Support the initial set-up and ongoing delivery of oncology research studies, ensuring all activities comply with ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and international regulations.
- Patient Screening: Identify and screen potential subjects for research eligibility, proactively developing action plans to overcome any recruitment barriers.
- Informed Consent: Lead/assist with the consent process by ensuring participants fully understand the voluntary nature of the trial, the procedures involved, and their right to withdraw at any time.
- Investigation Management: Organise and facilitate all necessary clinical investigations required by the trial protocol, including the collection of measurements and accurate documentation.
- Sample Oversight: Perform and assist with clinical tasks such as cannulation and phlebotomy, while overseeing the processing, centrifugation, and storage of blood samples.
Clinical Care and Patient Advocacy
- Specialist Support: Act as the primary point of contact for trial participants, providing individualised, evidence-based care and specialist clinical advice.
- Protocol Adherence: Work with Principal Investigators to ensure the safe administration of trial treatments and medicines in strict accordance with study protocols.
- Safety Monitoring: Identify, record, and report serious adverse events to the Principal Investigator and the R&D department to maintain participant safety.
- Resource Coordination: Act as an educational and clinical resource for patients, relatives, and Trust staff, referring to other specialists as needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Leadership and Team Management
- Operational Support: Assist the Team Leader in managing the research team, ensuring the provision of high-quality, patient-focussed care across the department.
- Staff Development: Facilitate the growth of junior staff (Band 5 and Band 4) through mentoring, coaching, and annual performance appraisals to build an effective team.
- Role Modelling: Act as a clinical leader and advisor to less experienced staff, promoting a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
Administration and Professional Standards
- Data Integrity: Take responsibility for the accurate completion of Case Report Forms (CRFs) and maintain precise recruitment records for the R&D department.
- Governance and Documentation: Maintain strict governance standards by ensuring all trial-related documentation, including Patient Information Sheets and GP correspondence, aligns with ethically approved versions.
- Continuous Development: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of research methodology and participate in clinical audits to ensure services remain safe and innovative.
- Regulatory Compliance: Operate within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times, ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance, infection control, and confidentiality.
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification to understand more about the opportunity this role presents you.
