Research Nurse

Overview

The Clinical Research Nurse (CRN) will provide direct patient care to patients enrolled in or considering a clinical trial. The CRN, in collaboration with the satellite physician(s), is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of clinical research in their specific program/area.  The CRN has expert knowledge of cancer as a disease process, cancer treatment modalities (or comparable knowledge for a non-oncology area, e.g. infection control) and the process of conducting medical clinical research.  In addition, the CRN utilizes evidence-based nursing practice and has expertise in developing and coordinating a plan of care designed to meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of those 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 required.  Specific duties and responsibilities may vary across the different satellite practices.  The Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are incorporated into all areas of practice.  Position requires travel to all DFCI satellite locations and the ability to quickly assimilate to new environments and foster team relationships at each site.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Administrative:
  • Assists principal investigator with protocol development.
  • Assists principal investigator as appropriate with the Institute’s protocol review process.
  • Assists the principal investigator in developing the protocol budget.
  • Collaborates with the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center 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.
  • Collaborates with physicians, staff and nurses in coordinating care and protocols.

• 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 and Oncology Nurse Navigator in assuring that patient care needs are met.
  • Provides protocol education to patients and families; adapts interactions based on age-specific needs of the patient.
  • 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 with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015) in all aspects of professional practice.
  • Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
  • Administers medications as necessary.
  • Maintains BLS certification.
  • Adapts to site specific policies, procedures and processes, communicates variations to Director of Research.
  • Quickly builds relationships with patients across multiple settings, supports the role of the primary nurse and Oncology Nurse Navigator.
  • Demonstrates understanding of special needs and behaviors of age groups of the population
• Professional Development:
  • Orientation and training will take place at DFCI main campus and/or DFCI satellite locations.
  • Identifies areas for professional growth.
  • Formulates professional goals, objectives and methods for accomplishing these.
  • 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 at the main DFCI Longwood campus, including, but not limited to, the monthly Research Nurse Practice Committee meeting.
  • Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
  • Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No direct supervision of others but does supervise assistive personnel as appropriate in the provision of patient care.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or New Hampshire as appropriate 
• Baccalaureate degree required; baccalaureate degree in nursing preferred.  If associate degree in nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years
• Minimum of 1 year (or equivalent) of nursing experience
• Reach experience preferred
• Ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred 
• Professional nursing certification preferred (OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC) 
• AHA BLS required (AHA ACLS accepted as minimum requirement) 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and ability to make independent decisions.
• Strong computer skills preferred.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.

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