Job overview

The drug development unit is a globally competitive, early clinical trials unit that conducts first in human clinical trials for patients with advanced cancer when all avenues of standard treatment have been exhausted. The unit comprises of an in-patient 9 bedded ward, day care area and outpatient clinic. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in all areas as part of their induction before joining the Oak Day Unit Team which operates 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
 
The Staff Nurse role here is diverse and combines aspects of the traditional staff nurse duties with some research responsibilities. Care involves trial related assessments, oral and IV treatment, symptom control and supportive treatments. It is a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills whilst providing high quality care and emotional support to patients with advanced cancer.
 
The successful candidate will, ideally, have experience in either chemotherapy and/or clinical trials. The ability to prioritise a busy workload and work well within a multidisciplinary team is essential.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out in a responsible and efficient way, the nursing care for patients which have been drawn up in conjunction with the co-ordinator of the shift.
• To demonstrate the ability to develop a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of patients with cancer and the different treatment modalities
• To develop an understanding of managing a shift with the guidance of the Ward/Departmental Sister/Charge Nurse.
• The Drug Development Unit operates within a competitive market to provide services for pharma companies and other trial sponsors. The postholder will have corporate responsibilities to represent the unit when presenting the service and contributing to how the practical aspects of the trial will be carried out at protocol development stage. There is an ambassadorial aspect to the role, to arrange and conduct visits from collaborative clinical sites, trial sponsors, auditors and research networks

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.