Job Abstract

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Nurse position is to assist with clinical and operational management of research protocols.

The ideal candidate for the Research Nurse position will have at least two your of Registered Nurse experience. Med/Surg, Oncology and Urology is a plus.

CORE VALUES

Caring Behaviors

Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times

Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; Is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers

Integrity Behaviors

Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly

Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values

Safety: Notices a safety concern and brings it to someone’s attention; Models safe behaviors (wears badge, washes hands, keeps work area clean and orderly)

Discovery Behaviors

Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas

Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Effectively conducts assigned operations of research protocols according to FDA and ICH guidelines of Good Clinical Practice. Applies clinical and research knowledge in the effective management of research protocols. Reviews patient eligibility of potential study cases with physicians.
• Effectively recruits patients in clinical and minimal risk trials.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the research process, Code of Federal Regulations and ICH Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
• Coordinates, evaluates and follows patient participation in clinical trials. Assists in the collection and evaluation of data. Develop patient care methodology for protocols, including criteria for patient participation.
• Independently performs protocol-specific clinical tasks including patient assessment, screening, scheduling future appointments, ordering tests, collecting specimens, monitoring responses; may administer medications. If necessary, administers investigational medications, following acceptable nursing procedures/guidelines. Completion of treatment plans, completion and submission of adverse events, protocol deviations/violations etc.).
• Applies principle of teaching/learning process to patient/family learning needs. Provides patient and family education regarding treatment management, evaluation and follow-up in clinical trials through talking with patients person-to-person or by telephone and/or through written educational material. May provide professional and ancillary staff education concerning research protocols as required.
• Responsible for the overall effective operation of designated protocols. Ensures appropriate charges and reimbursement for patient-related protocol costs (apply appropriate Q1 and R0 codes when ordering tests).
• Demonstrates competence in key aspects of data collection and data entry incorporating institutional guidelines. Assists primary investigator/s in collection and evaluation of data. Documents and retrieves protocol-related data as documented in the medical record and accurately enters / assists the research data coordinator with entering data into study database. Maintains comprehensive, accurate, up-to-date records on patients involved in studies as well as ensures records are kept in accordance with state, institutional and study guidelines.
• Evaluates response to treatment, treatment toxicities and adverse drug reactions and reports appropriately to the principal investigator, the Institutional Review Board and the study sponsor. Demonstrates knowledge of the current NCI-Common Toxicity Criteria and institutional reporting requirements. Provides protocol summary reports as requested.
• Attends start-up meetings for assigned new protocols. Prepares and plan/logistics of research study prior to start-up meeting. Coordinates and communicates all activities of the study plan and logistics to respective primary investigators.
• Applies the nursing process and incorporates national and institutional standards of nursing practice in delivering nursing care to patients enrolled in research protocols. Demonstrates clinical competence in aspects of care incorporating institutional guidelines and protocol policies. Documents patient care and outcomes per institutional, federal and protocol standards.
• Ensures compliance to all standards, policies and quality measures for assigned research staff on research protocols, policies and procedures. Ensure strict adherence to safety guidelines.
• Responsible for notifying in writing all appropriate personnel (i.e. PIs, Research Nurse Manager, Investigational Pharmacy,) of any upcoming audits and/ or monitoring visits. Prepares for audits by ensuring that all patient information is available and complete (i.e., informed consent, source documentation, case report forms, etc.) prior to audit and/or monitoring visit. Responsible for completion and /or oversee completion of case report forms and data query resolution collaboratively with research data coordinator.
• Communicates effectively with research team. Orient faculty/support staff personnel with study.
• Must have the ability to travel to and from different destinations, including inpatient and outpatient care areas. Must also be able to maintain a satisfactory work environment by organizing and redistributing files, records, etc., requiring bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, etc.
• Attends continuing education and/or seeks educational opportunities for professional growth by attending seminars and in-services within and outside the department. Maintains appropriate license and certification.
• Attends monthly research team meetings, and other appropriate meetings.
• Completes all mandatory institutional training certification.
• Other duties as assigned.