Job Summary

The position is required to provide competent and compassionate care for oncology patients, including ensuring safe  and   competent   management   of  chemotherapy   administration   and  other   supportive therapies for cancer patients.  In addition the Research Assistant – Nurse will be a Member of a multi-disciplinary research team of the CRU, and will be responsible for clinical and research support for all research trials, including study and patient management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and engage in the day to day clinical and related research study activities under the direction of, and in consultation with the lead doctors and managers
• Review research protocols, plan daily tasks and study flow in conjunction with the other study team members (pharmacy, lab, regulatory, etc.)
• Assist in directing the daily flow of patients and study related tasks
• Facilitate and provide care of research patients within the CRU’s scope of its central support services
• Perform routine technical procedures such as patients’ vital signs, I/V cannulation, ECG, drug administration, etc. as per policies and procedures of AKUH,N and approved research protocols
• Provide laboratory support services including phlebotomy and collection/handling of required specimens (e.g., stool, urine, nasal swabs) using standard techniques
• Process specimens (centrifuging, processing, shipping, preparation procedures, etc.)
• Practice ICH-GCP, good documentation practices, as well as ensure compliance of ICH-GCP
• Ensure compliance of established safety standards and maintain safe environment for patients, families, and clinical staff in accordance with regulatory and institutional health standards
• Oversee the management, stocking and maintenance of clinical space, including management of clinical supply inventories, ordering and appropriate stocking of clinical areas (e.g., ensure servicing and maintenance of medical/clinical equipment and maintain service logs)
• Document and maintain accurate records (such as, patients’ assessment, subject specific specimens collected, document/specimen custody, document/specimen storage records, supply inventories, temperature logs, calibration records, etc.) as part of source documentation, regulatory, and research and institutional requirements
• Ensure appropriate handling, disposal of biological and hazardous specimens/materials
• Inform the medical and clinical leads of any adverse event, incidence and occurrence related to patient, visitor, or staff during their time at the CRU, including a written report of the incident/event and the action(s)
• Disburse investigational drug and provide patient teaching regarding administration, as necessary
• Management of clinic patients, outside of the CRU, as necessary and in accordance with AKUH,N policies and procedures
• Prepare for and facilitate monitoring visits and audits in the CRU
• Assist in grant preparation, costing, and study budgeting

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (preferred); will consider Diploma in Nursing, only if candidate has significant past research experience
• Must have a valid and active Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) license
• CITI / Research training preferred

• Minimum of 3 years of work experience as a nurse in a hospital or related setting in inpatient and/or outpatient services with demonstrated knowledge and competencies in nursing clinical practices applied to direct patient care
• Excellent knowledge in nursing practice, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Sound working knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), clinical trial processes, nursing patient care, biomaterials handling, health safety practices
• Prior experience in operating basic medical equipment (e.g., Infusion pump, ECG machine, etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication – written and verbal
• Excellent organizational capabilities and ability to handle diverse set of tasks for multiple studies (and clinics) simultaneously
• Maturity & ability to work independently
• Versatility to work in a variety of related roles such as clinical/nursing care, patient services support, lab/bio-specimen processing, data management
• Proficiency in use of computers and basic office software (Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Candidate with prior research experience will be given preference