Clinical Research Nurse/Practitioner

'94% feel that their role makes a difference to patience and service users.' 'NHS Staff Survey 2024'

'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'

The post holder will work within the Research and Development Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, with a primary aim of promoting the entry of patients into clinical trials across the Trust in line with the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research high level objectives. The post holder will be allocated specialty dependant on workload demands and departmental needs, work collaboratively with other members of the research team to ensure sufficient cover and support across studies.

The purpose of the job is to coordinate clinical studies, ensure the safeguarding and wellbeing of participants, conduct research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and facilitate the production of high-quality research.

Central to this role is the informed recruitment, education and monitoring of the patient entering a clinical trial; good communication skills are imperative for effective collaboration and organised management of the varied workload to allow regular prioritisation along with maintenance of a transparent record of research schedules.

The post holder will work closely with MKUH clinical teams and support departments as and when required, continually striving to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes.

Delivery of the service level agreement with the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network (EoE RRDN)is an essential component of this role.

Main duties and responsibilities

The role involves using in-depth knowledge of trial protocols and their application in practise, research methodology and an in-depth working knowledge of local, national and international research regulation requirements to implement, develop and facilitate the smooth running of clinical trials, working collaboratively as part of the research team within Milton Keynes University Hospital.

This will involve ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and best practices, while supporting the overall research objectives and contributing to the delivery of high-quality research outcomes.

This will include: Review each trial protocol to identify resource implications for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Ensure all regulatory approvals are in place prior to commencement of study. e.g. research ethics committee and Trust R&D permission.

Communication

Promote trial involvement throughout the clinical and patient communities; Explain trials including complex trials in an unbiased sensitive way to emotive patients. Being able to display empathy and understanding.

Liaise and discuss trials including complex trial issues, with members of the MDT before, during and after the clinical trial.

Education

Attend the trial investigator / research nurse/practitioner meetings and conferences when required.

Maintain awareness of current advances in medical treatments, research, and nursing practice (nurses only) and use this specialised knowledge to develop and maintain high standards of care for patients.

Educating others

Participate in the preparation and delivery of research education and training programmes to all relevant healthcare staff with Milton Keynes University Hospital and EoE RRDN as appropriate.

Support, supervise and manage student placements, shadowing opportunities and junior members of the team.

Professional

Act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Practice for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors and Scope of Professional Practice (nurses only) or relevant professional body.

Maintain registration on the Clinical Research Practitioner directory and awareness of, and involvement in CRP initiatives (as relevant).Maintain one's own professional development, maintaining a contemporary personal portfolio.

Management

Ability to work independently and be accountable for own professional actions. Self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision as required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to.

To co-ordinate all aspects of conducting a clinical trial and research project always ensuring that trial participants are fully informed of what is required.

Please refer to the Job Description for further details

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards.

Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.

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Qualifications and knowledge

Experience

Skills

Personal and people development

Communication

Specific requirements