Research Registered Nurse

Company information

Company

HST Careers

Division

FRESH

Females Rising through Education, Support and Health

Province

KwaZulu-Natal

Job Specification Information

Title

Research Registered Nurse

Description

The Health Systems Trust (HST) wishes to appoint an experienced Research Registered Nurse to be based at the FRESH Clinical Research Site, located at the Megacity mall in Umlazi, KwaZuluNatal. FRESH was established in 2012 with an initial focus on the science of acute HIV infection and HIV acquisition risk in adolescent girls and young women. To accomplish this, groups of 20–30 young women, 18–23 years of age, are enrolled each month and followed longitudinally for 9 months. Frequent biological sampling is performed throughout their enrolment, coupled with provision of PrEP and intensive prevention counselling. Over the past 10 years, FRESH has expanded to become a dynamic clinical trial site specialising in early phase (IIa/IIb) trials testing interventions aimed at HIV cure and prevention. In 2022, the research scope at FRESH expanded to include maternal health, pre-term birth and HIV acquisition risk during pregnancy as related to the composition of the vaginal microbiome. For this, FRESH now also enrols groups of young pregnant women who are followed from first trimester through to delivery and one year post-partum. What makes the FRESH programme entirely unique, compared to other clinical research sites, is the inclusion of a life-skills and empowerment programme for study participants that is fully integrated into the research protocol. Twice-weekly empowerment classes coincide with scheduled research sampling visits. Guided by a holistic, patient-centred frame-work, FRESH is run by a 30+ person multi-disciplinary team that includes registered and enrolled nurses, counsellors, clinical research assistants, data capturers, quality control officer, pharmacists, recruiters, a doctors and other off-site clinical specialists, classroom facilitators, class assistants and a career co-ordinator. The site is visited frequently by principal investigators (PIs), research scientists and international collaborators and sponsors. This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain strict adherence to study protocols and ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and ethical human subjects’ research. ? Perform routine blood sampling via venipuncture, finger-prick blood collection and urine samples in accordance with approved protocols. ? Perform pelvic examinations via speculum; collect vaginal mucosal and rectal swabs. ? Monitor and assist participants performing self-vaginal and rectal swabs. VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT ? Log samples and arrange transport to the diagnostic lab (Neuberg-Global) and research lab at the UKZN HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP). ? Notify the PI and Programme Manager in the event of new acute HIV infection (AHI), maintaining close communication through the entire process, requesting assistance when needed. ? Dispense early antiretroviral treatment (ART) and document the drugs dispensed, noting their expiry date, lot number, the number of pills dispensed, etc. ? Counsel new acutely infected participants on issues related to AHI and educate them on importance of ART adherence. ? Perform and accurately document clinical examinations and history-taking. ? Review lab results (Hb, FBC, VL, CD4, STI, pregnancy, Pap smear, etc.) on the day received; communicate the results to study participants and file results. ? Identify laboratory test abnormalities and discuss with the PI. ? Maintain thorough and accurate documentation and record-keeping, ensuring that all visit forms are filled completely and correctly. ? Manage the data-clarification form (DCF) process. ? Ensure confidentiality and data security. ? Monitor performance of clinical and counselling staff and communicate observations to the Programme Manager and PI for the purpose of performance reviews and disciplinary feedback. ? Assume a leadership role within the clinical study team. ? Create an on-call roster for FRESH staff (staff nurse or other lay staff) and review the roster with the Programme Manager. ? Co-ordinate leukapheresis sampling with SANBS, the hematology department at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Memorial Hospital and the HPP laboratory. ? Co-ordinate and accompany participants to Durdoc Hospital for off-site procedures (LN and GALT biopsy); arrange sample transportation to HPP laboratory. ? Maintain and follow study visit calendars and communicate with the HPP laboratory on upcoming sample numbers. ? Actively contribution during morning delegation and weekly clinical and full-staff weekly meetings.

Key Attributes

? Fluent in English and isiZulu ? Computer proficient in all MS Office programmes; strength using Excel ? Able to manage study data and reports ? Excellent team leader and mentor ? Excellent communication and interpersonal skills ? Ability to work well under pressure and with a team.

Education Required

Matric

Qualification Required

? Registered Nurse with current SANC (South African Nursing Council) registration ? Recognised HIV/AIDS counselling certification ? Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification ? Own vehicle and valid driver’s license. Must be a confident driver Added Advantages ? Project management and data collection experience ? NIMART trained and certified ? Clinical trials experience.

Experience Required

? Five years nursing experience with at least two years’ experience in phlebotomy ? Minimum of two years’ clinical research experience, clinical trials experience preferred ? Experience in implementing clinical research protocols; or comparable systems and operational management experience ? Experience in implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ? Experience in completing Clinical Research Forms (CRFs) ? Experience working with research study monitors ? Experience working with managing data clarification form (DCF) or data query forms ? Strong writing skills; capable of preparing study update reports and summaries ? Experience in HIV/AIDS care and support ? Strong knowledge of HIV infection, risk factors and disease progression.

Remuneration

A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications will be offered.

Other Job Details

? Personal information collected is processed lawfully in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). ? Preference will be given to applicants residing in KwaZulu-Natal. ? Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of all qualifications and identity documents. ? Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ? Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. ? Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to reference and credential checks. ? If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. ? HST reserves the right to not fill this position. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 7 March 2025 at 16h30 HEALTH SYSTEMS TRUST PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT EQUITY. Health Systems Trust subscribes to diversity and inclusivity, which is informed by the Company’s Employment Equity Plan. Based on this, African males and people with Disabilities who meet the job specifications (including but not limited to the required skills, knowledge and education), are encouraged to apply.