Clinical Research Infusion Nurse - RN

Oncology Consultants P A•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Clinical Research Infusion Nurse plays a vital and rewarding role in advancing cancer care. This position combines clinical excellence, compassionate care, and the excitement of cutting-edge research. As a registered nurse with a strong foundation in oncology, the Clinical Research Infusion Nurse provides expert, patient-centered care while supporting innovative clinical trials that shape the future of cancer treatment. With Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification and a deep understanding of cancer-specific therapies, this nurse ensures every patient’s journey is guided with skill, safety, and empathy. Our goal is to empower patients and families throughout every stage of their treatment, blending the science of research with the art of healing. Through collaboration, critical thinking, and compassion, the Clinical Research Infusion Nurse helps promote the best possible outcomes—both for our patients today and for the advancements of tomorrow. 1. Assessment: Identify resources and deficits. 2. Planning: Formulate goals of care, patient priorities. 3. Intervention: Physical care, patient education, referral, and / or counseling in order to assist the patient to reach health care goals. 4. Evaluation: Ongoing assessment of effectiveness of intervention, with modifications as needed.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Areas of Nursing Practice: The oncology research nurse clinician will comply with the practice policies and procedures, as published and on-site in each practice location.
The individual practitioner is responsible for reviewing and implementing updates as they are made available.
In the performance of clinical activities, the ONC is expected to be aware of and utilize: I. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice. Oncology Nursing Society, 2019 II. United States Pharmacopeia General Chapter: Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings. Oncology Nursing Society, 2016. III. Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing, 6th Edition. Oncology Nursing Society, 2019 IV. Access Device Standards of Practice for Oncology Nursing. Oncology Nursing Society, 201
Demonstrate chemotherapy competency in:
Demonstrate proficiency in routine clinical procedures, as
IV insertion and venous access device management
Accurate administration and monitoring of infusions via a variety of routes (oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous)
Performing double-checks for chemotherapy administration per research chain of custody process
Safe handling and disposal of chemotherapy to minimize patient and staff exposure to hazardous drugs; used Investigational Product (IP) vials are returned to Research.
Continuous infusion pumps (connects and disconnects)
Management of treatment related side effects and adverse reactions
Minimizing the risk for infection among patients who are actually or potentially immunocompromised
Knowledge needed to facilitate early detection of specific side effects that lead to effective self-management of the side effect when it does occur
Document events in the electric medical record.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements that include their execution of delegation of authority/responsibility has been completed by PI.
Collaborate with the CRC to ensure the study master IP accountability log and patient IP accountability log is completed in real time.

Responsibilities

Scope of Nursing Practice: The Clinical Research Infusion Nurse performs independent, interdependent, and dependent nursing actions and demonstrates personal professional accountability.
The Clinical Research Infusion Nurse is a registered professional nurse who is expected to deliver direct and indirect patient care.
All actions which are defined as basic nursing.
Collaboration with other members of the health care team to coordinate nursing care, maintain continuity of health care.
Recognition of the uniqueness and wholeness of the individual and the importance of social relationships for the person living with cancer.
Advocates the individual’s freedom to choose treatment and determine the direction of their lives throughout the disease process.
Has the competence and competencies regarding all aspects of administering and monitoring a variety of systemic cancer therapies and other injectable infusions to an adult population.
Participate in continuing education programs and pursue professional development.
Patient Education: Address knowledge deficits and skill deficits through individual and/or group instruction.
Patient Assessment
Oncology Nursing Interventions
Technical Aspects of Cancer Nursing include all basic nursing activities in addition to those specific to oncology patient care
Function as liaison between patient / health care system / lay public
Infusions: Administration may include (but are not limited to) standard of care and research chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, growth factors, antibiotics, electrolytes and hydration.
Clinical Trial Coordination: Collaborate with principal investigators, sub-investigator/physicians, and research staff to plan, initiate, and manage oncology clinical trial infusions, study related lab draws and assist with EKG.
Patient Care and Education: Provide comprehensive nursing care to oncology patients participating in clinical trials.
Data Collection and Documentation: Collect, record, and maintain accurate and detailed patient documentation in the EMR in accordance with study protocols and regulatory standards.
Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, research coordinators, and laboratory staff, to ensure seamless study execution.
Attend study investigator visit where the protocol overview to include IP study training is provided.
Provide peer training to the nurses, pharmacy technicians regarding new study treatments and IP.
Ensure nursing infusion coverage for patients on clinical trials as needed.