Clinical Practice Educator for Research

Duties and Responsibilities

• Working with the Senior Nursing Team and SPEF, the post holder will be closely involved clinically with the development of all grades of staff, determining proficiency based on competency assessments.
• Work with the Senior PEF and Senior Nursing Team to identify strategies for practice development.
• Work with the Senior PEF and Senior Nursing Team to identify and implement structures to support best practice.
• Promote and incorporate research/evidence-based practice within the clinical setting.
• Facilitate awareness of professional and educational development by acting as a resource person.
• Act as an effective role model.
• Develop competency-based practice, supported by other specialist roles.
• Liaise with outside educational organisations to help support the learning and development strategy.
• Working with the SPEF and Senior Nursing Team to establish a system for the implementation of practice change/improvement following action planning in response to incidents.
• Ad-hoc duties as requested by line managers.

Clinical

• To work 80% of the time in the clinical area supporting the staff in practice, facilitating reflective practice and providing day-to-day support.
• To be a clinical expert.
• To ensure the provision of excellent, evidence-based nursing care for the patients and their families taking part in a clinical trial.
• Ensure all nursing practice is within the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct.
• Develop and maintain competence in agreed basic and advanced clinical skills.
• Provide expert advice on all aspects of research and oncology nursing through others where appropriate.

Managerial

• To manage time appropriately to achieve goals laid out by the requirements of the services plan, by the Senior Management Team and Modern Matron.
• To manage training databases as required working with the senior PEF to keep databases updated.
• To feedback regularly and consistently to the SPEF, Senior Nursing Team and Matron.
• Advise nursing, Medical and AHP colleagues on the development of SACT services.

Professional

• To always act in a professional manner.
• To have knowledge of and adhere to the Trust policies and professional standards.
• To ensure that team members do likewise.
• To demonstrate a professional approach to work and act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
• To participate in staff appraisal, staff development and in-service training activities.
• To meet revalidation requirements.
• To identify own learning needs and ensure own professional development is maintained by keeping up to date with practice developments.
• To undertake further training and academic qualifications as relevant to the role and service requirements.
• To support the SPEF in auditing and evaluating nursing practice and service.

Clinical Governance

• Develop alongside the SPEF, Senior Nursing Team and clinical staff, a positive learning environment for all grades of staff.
• Support the development and implementation of grade-specific teaching programmes. This will include teaching and delivering presentations.
• Advise on the development and implementation of policies, standards and guidelines including trial specific SOPs.
• Offer support and guidance to staff in relation to individual continuing education/professional needs.
• Responsible for acquiring/ensuring access to resources to support learning.
• Maintain own up-to-date knowledge base ensuring personal and academic credibility.
• Develop a system of feeding back learning from study days in a structured manner.
• Be responsible for developing research-based practice and supporting staff to ensure that their practice is evidence-based.
• In conjunction with the SPEF and Senior Nursing Team undertake audit of education and clinical practice annually and as required following changes to practice development for projects.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential criteria: NMC Registered Nurse, UKONS SACT Passport or equivalent, Formal teaching/education qualification (or willingness to work towards one).
• Desirable criteria: Certificate in cancer care / oncology, UKONS SACT Passport assessor, Clinical skills assessor.

Experience

• Essential criteria: Relevant experience in research/oncology/haematology including managing acutely unwell patients, Experience of teaching and assessing students/learners, Minimum 12 months experience of SACT delivery, Clinical Research Experience, Proficient in clinical skills such as venepuncture, cannulation, IV administration and use of CVADs/TIVADs.
• Desirable criteria: Leadership or management training/experience, Experience of handling clinical incidents and complaints, Experience of coordinating and managing patient care, Experience of teaching groups.

Skills

• Essential criteria: Administration of IV SACT, Haematology or acute oncology skills, Excellent clinical skills, Effective communication skills, Able to motivate and develop a team of staff, Ability to problem solve and initiate change, Ability to deliver high standard of nursing care, Computer literacy - Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, Ability to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries, Able to work autonomously and as part of a team, Good interpersonal skills.
• Desirable criteria: Effective teaching, training and preceptorship skills.

Knowledge

• Essential criteria: Excellent specialist knowledge of SACT, Understanding of professional and current issues in oncology nursing, Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk and quality issues, Awareness of equality and diversity.
• Desirable criteria: Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of learners, Demonstrate an understanding of best practice in relation to SACT administration, Understanding of audit and research methodologies, Proven presentation skills.

Other

• A flexible approach to work.
• Willing to support others.
• Demonstrate ability to use initiative.
• Effective time management.
• Evidence of professional development.
• Committed to developing nursing education and practice.
• Motivated, enthusiastic and committed to the department.
• Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working.
• Professional at all times.