Nurse Researcher

University of South Florida•Tampa, FL

About The Position

This position typically reports to a physician faculty member that serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research project or on rare occasions to an appropriate program administrator within the department. As the Study Coordinator for a research project, the Nurse Researcher oversees patient-related study activities, research regulatory compliance, data gathering and management according to Federal requirements, and ensures safe collection and preparation of blood and body fluids, including transportation of same. Most studies are grant funded, although a few are state, local and privately funded. Others are funded by pharmaceutical companies including cancer-focused clinical trials and oncology-related research studies . Grant-funded projects involving human subjects require compliance with numerous stringent Federal, State, university, and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations, for which this position must know, interpret, comply, and prepare reports. Work at this level meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since the primary duties require advanced knowledge which is predominantly intellectual in character and require the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. Nurse Researchers differ from non-exempt nursing or research support staff in that the incumbents in these positions develop techniques and oversee clinical data gathering, establish quality control standards, develop educational materials, and serve as liaisons with regulatory agencies. The Principal Investigator sets the overall project direction and has responsibility for final interpretation of project results, but this position serves as a right-hand to the PI and provides input into the process. This position is contract.

Requirements

This position requires licensure as a registered nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Chapter 64 B9, Florida Administrative Code.
Bachelor's degree in Nursing with two years of nursing research or directly related experience; OR an Associate's degree in Nursing with four years of same experience.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree in Nursing.
Annual certifications may be required to participate in specific studies , including oncology or cancer-related clinical research .

Responsibilities

Evaluates potential research participants with Principal Investigator; schedules screening evaluations; explains consent process; performs required screening evaluations; randomizes participants into appropriate research study, including cancer care and oncology research protocols .
Coordinates and schedules study visits and follow-ups.
Oversees or performs required procedures for each visit.
Records data on each study participant for each visit according to research protocol, maintaining complete study progress notes and case report form for each visit.
Reports any Adverse Events according to protocol.
Communicates questions, problems, changes to the Principal Investigator, including adverse events related to cancer treatments or investigational therapies .
Prepares and submits protocol applications, amendments, annual reviews, Adverse Event reports, and study sponsor communications to IRB as required.
Participates in specialty clinic, coordinating with clinic staff and physicians to evaluate patients that might be considered for research studies.
Provides training and guidance in specialty area to patients and staff, including oncology and cancer specialty clinics .
Collects, analyzes, and performs quality assurance of study data.
Monitors overall clinical study to insure that quality control measures are in compliance with protocol.
Actively participates in research study meetings to discuss progress/status of study.
Ensures consistent interpretation and adherence to protocols at all stages of trials by team members.
Recommends changes in protocols to improve quality of data gathering or overall study.
Ensures that Monthly, quarterly, annual and end of grant reports are completed and submitted to regulatory and granting agencies as required.
Oversees the ordering, dispensing and maintenance of supplies and medications for the research study.
Performs procedures as necessary, such as venipuncture, electrocardiograms, quantitative Sensory Testing, insulin testing, etc. for the study.
Collaborates in development of new research grants, providing clinical nursing consultation in the development of protocols, research instrument design, coding and analysis, and selection of assessments.
Assists in developing proposals for new research projects.
May serve as an advocate for a specific population by participation in community fairs, programs, committees, state and national committees, programs and conferences.
Performs other duties as assigned.