Job Description

Overview

The Research Nurse in collaboration with the physician, is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of clinical research in their specific program/area.  The CRN 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 CRN 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.  Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are required.  Knowledge of current literature and a commitment to continued learning are also required.  Specific duties and responsibilities may vary across the different programs/areas.  

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

Administrative:

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

Research:

• Assists with recruitment and registration of patients to clinical trials.
• Coordinates scheduling of patient’s laboratory and radiographic assessments, admissions and clinic visits.
• Monitors test results as appropriate.
• Coordinates protocol data management as necessary.
• Collaborates with staff within the Institute and with outside organizations in the completion of 
• clinical research trials.

Clinical:

• Coordinates study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for patients participating in clinical trials.
• Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
• Collaborates with Care Coordination for all patient care referrals.
• Collaborates with primary nurse in assuring that patient care needs are met.
• Provides protocol education to patients and families; adapts interactions based on age-specific needs of the patient.
• Collects and prepares required specimens for analysis and monitors test results, as appropriate.
• Documents in charts as appropriate and communicates observations and findings to protocol investigator and attending physicians.
• Provides protocol in-service training and serves as a resource to the health care team.
• Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety, and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
• Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures, licensure/registration requirements, and professional scope and standards.
• Participates in QA/QI projects for the clinical program and the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services. 
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2001) in all aspects of professional practice.
• Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
• Administers medications as necessary.
• Maintains BLS certification.

Professional Development:

• Identifies areas for professional growth.
• Formulates professional goals, objectives and methods for accomplishing these.
• Pursues active membership of local and national professional organizations.
• Supports research activities within the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Participates in Division of Nursing / Institute committees.
• Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
• Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or State of New Hampshire as appropriate 
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing strongly preferred. If associate degree in nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years. 
• Minimum of 1-year recent experience as an RN 
• Ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred 
• Professional nursing certification preferred (OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC) 
• AHA BLS required (AHA ACLS accepted as minimum requirement) 

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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