Research Nurse - Cancer Center

Job Description Summary

The clinical Research Nurse will provide direct patient care to patients enrolled in or considering a clinical trial. In collaboration with the satellite physician(s), is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of clinical research in their specific program/area. The Research Nurse 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 Research Nurse 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. 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.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A.    Administrative:
1.    Assists principal investigator with protocol development.
2.    Assists principal investigator as appropriate with the Institute’s protocol review process.
3.    Assists the principal investigator in developing the protocol budget.
4.    Collaborates with the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center DFHCC quality assurance of clinical trials office in developing protocol specific materials.
5.    Serves as research coordinator for National Cancer Institute, pharmaceutical-sponsored, and National Cooperative Group protocols.
   

B.    Research:
1.    Assists with recruitment and registration of patients to clinical trials.
2.    Coordinates scheduling of patient’s laboratory and radiographic assessments, admissions and clinic visits.
3.    Monitors test results as appropriate.
4.    Coordinates protocol data management as necessary.
5.    Collaborates with staff within the Institute and with outside organizations in the completion of clinical research trials.
6.    Collaborates with physicians, staff and nurses in coordinating care and protocols.

C.     Clinical:

1.    Coordinates study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for patients participating in clinical trials.
2.    Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
3.    Collaborates with Care Coordination for all patient care referrals.
4.    Collaborates with primary nurse and Oncology Nurse Navigator in assuring that patient care needs are met.
5.    Provides protocol education to patients and families; adapts interactions based on age-specific needs of the patient.
6.    Collects and prepares required specimens for analysis and monitors test results, as appropriate.
7.    Documents in charts as appropriate and communicates observations and findings to protocol investigator and attending physicians.
8.    Provides protocol in-service training and serves as a resource to the health care team.
9.    Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
10.    Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures, licensure/registration requirements, and professional scope and standards.
11.    Participates in QA/QI projects for the clinical program and the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services. 
12.    Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015) in all aspects of professional practice.
13.    Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
14.    Administers medications as necessary.
15.    Maintains BLS certification.
16.    Adapts to site specific policies, procedures and processes, communicates variations to Director of Research.
17.    Quickly builds relationships with patients across multiple settings, supports the role of the primary nurse and Oncology Nurse Navigator.
18.    Demonstrates understanding of special needs and behaviors of age groups of the population served.

D.     Professional Development:

1.    Orientation and training will take place at DFCI main campus and/or DFCI satellite locations.
2.    Identifies areas for professional growth.
3.    Formulates professional goals, objectives and methods for accomplishing these.
4.    Pursues active membership of local and national professional organizations.
5.    Supports research activities within the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
6.    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.
7.    Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
8.    Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing as validated through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

Baccalaureate degree in nursing strongly preferred. If associate degree in nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum of 1-year recent experience as an RN 

Ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred 

Required Licenses / Registrations

RN - Registered Nurse in Massachusetts

Required Classes/Skills

BLS - Basic Life Support.

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support accepted as minimum requirement

Professional nursing certification preferred (OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC) 

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

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

Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are required.  

Knowledge of current literature and a commitment to continued learning required.

Position requires travel to all DFCI satellite locations and the ability to quickly assimilate to new environments and foster team relationships at each site.