Paediatric Clinical Research Nurse

An exciting opportunity for a 0.6 WTE (22.5 hours per week) children’s nurse to be part of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust’s Women’s and Children’s Research Unit supporting and delivering high quality clinical research studies. The unit is currently covering all clinical trials across all specialities in Bristol Children's Hospital including delivering vaccine research. Previous vaccine training and knowledge is desirable for this post.

The successful post holder will work with the Women's and Children's research unit supporting Principal Investigators in the setup and delivery of both clinical trials and non-interventional NIHR portfolio trials including an expanding portfolio in all Paediatric Clinical Specialities across UHBW. The research/post holder will be based between the Education Centre but will be part of the wider W&C Research unit and work in collaboration with their colleagues based within UHBW overseen by the Paediatric Research Sisters for the Unit. There is a requirement to cover the newly opened clinical research facility based in the Children's Hospital. 

Research studies are delivered within the trust across seven days of the week and throughout 24 hours of each day. Research nurses need to be flexible in their work patterns in order to deliver this service if the studies require. It is expected that the research nurse will lead on a portfolio of paediatric research studies.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be expected to be proactive in educating clinical staff in the specifics of running clinical trials. You should demonstrate the ability to manage own workload and to work as part of a team. Previous experience working within a clinical research environment will be desirable. This post offers excellent opportunities in gaining managerial experience and the opportunity to maintain your clinical skills and develop new ones.
• One 0.6 WTE (22.5 hours per week) fixed term post is now available. The post holder will be a Registered Children’s Nurse and will be based with the team in the UHBW Education Centre. The post holder will be supporting trials across all ward areas of the Children’s Hospital and in the community setting.
• The post holder will support the safe conduct of all research, including clinical trials, in accordance with the regulatory and legal frameworks. This will entail wide collaboration with clinicians and research staff to facilitate the successful conduct of trials.
• You will have a relevant degree or be working towards one, have considerable current experience of working with children in a clinical context at band 5 or above, and an interest in working in a research environment. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Full drivers licence is essential as some studies require community support.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, with a workforce of over 13,000 staff and 100+ different clinical services across 10 sites, serving a population of over 500,000 people across Bristol and Weston. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as ‘Good’ overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to patients. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust, committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact.

Join us and you can enjoy city living, be in the countryside or by the seaside, with easy access to all the South West offers. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

As an equal opportunities employer, actively working towards a diverse workforce, we aim to create a workforce that represents the diversity of our community and are committed to designing our services around the needs of patients and their loved ones. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse (Child) with current NMC registration.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Teaching qualification.

Desirable criteria

• Undergraduate degree in Nursing, Science or Health related discipline.
• Post graduate qualification in research.
• Immunisation and Vaccine training.

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Evidence of good teamwork skills.
• Broad range of clinical nursing skills.
• Full drivers licence.
• Ability to prioritise, ensuring effective and efficient workload completion.
• Good report writing, a focus on accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.

Desirable criteria

• Budgetary and resource management skills.

Aptitudes

Essential criteria

• Enthusiasm for and desire to embed research within clinical practice.
• Ability to work flexibly according to role need.
• Proactive in professional development for self and others.
• Personal focus on the 6 Cs: Care, Compassion, Courage, Commitment, Competence & Communication.

Desirable criteria

• Ability to gain influence and motivate people.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Broad knowledge and experience of clinical nursing practice within an acute hospital environment.
• Research nursing experience.
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal frameworks related to undertaking clinical research.
• Clinical, organizational and management experience.
• Knowledge of Data Protection Act 1984 and Caldicott principles.

Desirable criteria

• Project management experience.
• Knowledge of research design and methodology.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and willingness to develop computer skills further.