Clinical Research Nurse II

Boston Medical Center•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Clinical Research Nurse II (CRN II) reports directly to the Medical Director of the Cancer Clinical Trials Program and the Administrative Director in Hematology and Medical Oncology. The role primarily performs clinical and patient-facing tasks for patients participating in clinical trials. The nurse works with providers to identify potentially eligible patients, meets with potential research subjects to review consent forms and discuss trial requirements, and sees patients for required study visits. In partnership with clinical research coordinators, the nurse helps ensure compliance with study requirements and provides clinical perspective to regulatory coordinators to facilitate trial activation. The position is primarily clinic-based and is expected to follow and evaluate 4–6 active study patients per day, four days per week (16–24 patients per week). The role supports administrative, research, and clinical trial activities, including protocol review and development, patient recruitment and registration, scheduling study assessments and visits, coordination of study enrollment and treatment, patient and family education, medication administration, documentation, monitoring test results, and communication with investigators and attending physicians. The nurse also supports patient safety, regulatory compliance, evidence-based nursing practice, and professional development. Boston Medical Center describes its mission as providing exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. The Cancer Care Center provides coordinated, multidisciplinary care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, along with support programs and services such as patient navigation, social work, nutrition, and genetic counseling. The position is in the Cancer Care Admin department and is scheduled for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Baccalaureate degree required.
Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Current basic cardiac life support certification.
Three to five years of research or clinical research experience and/or oncology nursing experience required.
Proficiency with standard Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and with web browsers.
Basic ability to input and analyze data and generate reports, especially in REDCap databases.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and timely.
Ability to analyze and solve problems systematically, logically, and in a timely manner.
Tact and diplomacy to motivate and educate research subjects and staff.
Knowledge of research regulations and research compliance requirements, including Protection of Human Subjects.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of confidential or sensitive information.
Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
Cultural sensitivity and comfort working with a wide range of social, racial, and ethnic populations.
Strong patient communication and patient education skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with grant writing, IRB submissions, data management, study coordination, and database development.
Bilingual or multilingual skills beyond English appropriate to the patient population served.

Responsibilities

Assist the principal investigator with clinical trial protocol review and protocol development, as appropriate.
Collaborate with clinical-trial quality assurance in developing protocol-specific materials.
Assist with recruitment and registration of patients to clinical trials.
Coordinate scheduling of laboratory and radiographic assessments, admissions, and clinic visits for patients.
Monitor test results as appropriate.
Coordinate with clinical research coordinators and collaborate with disease-group staff and outside organizations to complete clinical research trials.
Coordinate study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for trial participants.
Collaborate with Care Coordination on patient-care referrals.
Collaborate with primary nurses in infusion, radiation, and surgical services to ensure patient-care needs are met.
Provide protocol education to patients and families, adapting interactions to patients’ age-specific, cultural, and other needs.
Complete orders for required specimens and monitor test results as appropriate.
Administer medications as necessary.
Document in charts as appropriate and communicate observations and findings to protocol investigators and attending physicians.
Provide protocol in-service training and serve as a resource to the health care team.
Monitor the care environment for patient safety and ensure compliance with regulatory agency standards.
Maintain evidence-based clinical practice consistent with nursing policies, procedures, licensure and registration requirements, and professional scope and standards.
Foster an environment sensitive to diverse populations, including differences in culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
Identify professional growth areas, formulate goals and objectives, and pursue methods to accomplish them.
Pursue active membership in local and national professional organizations and participate in committees as necessary.
Meet annual evaluation requirements and competencies within established time periods.
Collaborate in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.
Work primarily in clinic and follow and evaluate 4–6 active study patients per day, four days per week.