Research Nurse, Thoracic Oncology

About the Role

The Research Nurse (CRN) is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of clinical research within their specific program/area, in collaboration with the physician. The CRN possesses expert knowledge of cancer as a disease process, cancer treatment modalities, and the process of conducting medical clinical research. They utilize evidence-based nursing practice and have expertise in developing and coordinating a plan of care to meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of cancer patients and their families undergoing therapy in a clinical research trial. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are required. Knowledge of current literature and a commitment to continued learning are also necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Administrative
• Assists principal investigator with protocol development.
• Assists principal investigator with the Institute’s protocol review process.
• Assists the principal investigator in developing the protocol budget.
• Collaborates with the DFHCC quality assurance of clinical trials office in developing protocol specific materials.
• Serves as research coordinator for National Cancer Institute, pharmaceutical-sponsored, and National Cooperative Group protocols.
• Research
• Assists with recruitment and registration of patients to clinical trials.
• Coordinates scheduling of patient’s laboratory and radiographic assessments, admissions and clinic visits.
• Monitors test results as appropriate.
• Coordinates protocol data management as necessary.
• Collaborates with staff within the Institute and with outside organizations in the completion of clinical research trials.
• Clinical
• Coordinates study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for patients participating in clinical trials.
• Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
• Collaborates with Care Coordination for all patient care referrals.
• Collaborates with primary nurse in assuring that patient care needs are met.
• Provides protocol education to patients and families, adapting interactions based on age-specific needs.
• Collects and prepares required specimens for analysis and monitors test results, as appropriate.
• Documents in charts as appropriate and communicates observations and findings to protocol investigator and attending physicians.
• Provides protocol in-service training and serves as a resource to the health care team.
• Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety, and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
• Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures, licensure/registration requirements, and professional scope and standards.
• Participates in QA/QI projects for the clinical program and the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses.
• Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations.
• Administers medications as necessary.
• Maintains BLS certification.

Professional Development

• Identifies areas for professional growth.
• Formulates professional goals, objectives, and methods for accomplishment.
• Pursues active membership of local and national professional organizations.
• Supports research activities within the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Participates in Division of Nursing / Institute committees.
• Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies.
• Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Associate Degree, Nursing.
• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing strongly preferred.
• If Associate Degree in Nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years.
• Completion of the Oncology Nurse Residency Program (ONRP) or 1 year of recent experience as a Registered Nurse.
• Ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or State of New Hampshire as appropriate.
• AHA BLS required (AHA ACLS accepted as minimum requirement).
• Professional nursing certification preferred (OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC).

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of cancer as a disease process and treatment modalities.
• Expert knowledge of the process of conducting medical clinical research.
• Expertise in developing and coordinating a plan of care.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of current literature.
• Commitment to continued learning.
• Patient Contact: Yes.