Clinical Research Nurse - Oncology/Infectious Disease - JTCC Clinical Research - Hackensack Meridian Health

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Clinical Research Nurse is responsible for coordinating and overseeing clinical operations of a clinical trial and participates in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating Compliant Patient Care in clinical research studies. The Clinical Research Nurse carries out the research and works under the general supervision of the principal investigator responsible for the clinical trials. 

A day in the life of a Phase I Research Nurse at Hackensack Meridian Health may include:

• Assists the principal investigator in the preparation of proposed clinical trials by reviewing trial protocol, contacting each department who will provide resources during study and ensuring appropriate departments are notified and given a copy of proposed trial, scientific merit and accrual potential
• Assures that all protocol revisions, informed consents, continuing reviews, serious adverse events are submitted to the appropriate IRB of record in a timely manner
• Acts as liaison between principal investigators and sub-investigators on all regulatory issues and changes within the protocol
• Interacts with regulatory specialists and principal investigators and sub-investigators on all regulatory issues and changes within the protocol
• In collaboration with the principal investigator, clinical research coordinator, and clinical team, participates in the review of studies for feasibility and evaluates potential competition with other protocols prior to submitting study
• Reviews study with principal investigator and/or clinical research coordinator to a budget outlining standard of care and research costs. Finalizes budget draft with budget coordinator
• Recruits and evaluates potential study patients, and works with clinical research coordinator to schedule required appointments and interviews
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.)
• Reviews medical records for potential study patients and ensures that medical records include documentation of all laboratory test results and procedures and progress of study patients, following guidelines set forth by the protocol sponsors
• Instructs potential study patients, designated caregiver, physicians, nurse clinicians and other ancillary staff members involved in the care of the patient on aspects of patient¿s care, available trials, treatments and side effects
• Assists investigator with consent process assuring study patients understand clinical trials and obtains written informed consent
• Educates study patients concerning informed consent procedures, HIPAA authorization
• Documents study patient¿s medical history including but not limited to past medical/surgical treatments, significant medical conditions, and medication history per protocol guidelines
• Performs nursing assessments and monitors study patient¿s progress during clinical trials; Tracks study patient's response by documenting on toxicity flow sheet, medication flow sheet and nurses' progress notes
• Maintains accurate, complete, up-to-date records on each patient participating in a clinical trial protocol in all applicable systems (i.e. electronic medical record, clinical trial management system, departmental and protocol specific databases)
• Evaluates and develops study patient education materials and gives study patient and/or designated caregiver instructions on drug administration and other medical information; creates study specific calendars for study patients
• Plans for study patient¿s appropriate care under the direction of a physician or advanced practice nurse
• Notifies principal investigator of any adverse events and serious adverse events, including evidence of drug toxicity or unexpected side effects
• Reports all serious adverse events to sponsor and IRB of record according to established timelines
• Coordinates research activities not limited to: scheduling laboratory tests, radiology testing and other medical exams
• Performs and/or oversees a variety of clinical duties that may include but not limited to: EKGs, processing/shipping of blood serum, urine and communicates results to PI and/or APN
• Together with the principal investigator, reviews and processes all Safety Reports (INDs, SUGARs) as per institutional policies and procedures
• Act as principal investigator's representative as appropriate. This may include communicating with sponsors and their representatives, the IRB and other medical personnel
• Maintains accurate, complete, up-to-date records on each patient participating in a clinical trial protocol
• Ensures study patient's clinical trial related activities are billed appropriately and reconciles drug study account records with research finance personnel
• Prepares and assists for sponsor monitor site visits and ensures all supporting documentation records are adequate and available for the visit; Meets with monitor at least once during each monitor site visit and resolves all issues found during visit
• Develops case report forms and/or databases for physician initiated studies as needed
• Assists the principal investigator in preparing for publication. Works with analysts and assists with queries related to data to evaluate the significance of collected data
• Provides education to all departments and clinical areas where study is performed
• Attends research meetings and conferences as required

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• BSN required. (Note: this applies to team members hired or transferred on or after March 31, 2024. Team members hired or transferred prior to March 31, 2024 require a minimum of an associate in Nursing or diploma of Nursing degree.)
• Minimum of 3 years clinical nursing experience or 1 year of clinical nursing experience with an additional 2 years of clinical research experience.
• Adheres to the American Nurses Association standards.
• Strong attention to detail and customer service focus is required.
• Excellent communication, organizational, presentation, documentation, and interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to work independently, or in a team, and handle multiple deadline driven tasks in a dynamic environment is essential.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
• Review and comply with all relevant HMH and Business Unit policies and procedures, and local, state, and Federal laws and regulations. 
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• National Certification in area of specialty preferred when eligible

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License
• BLS/CPR certification by American Heart Association is required within 60 days of hire

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and/or Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) and/or Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC).