Clinical Research Nurse Bone Marrow Transplant

About the role

The Research Nurse collaborates with physicians to implement and evaluate clinical research within a specific program or area, bringing expert knowledge of cancer disease processes and treatment modalities (or comparable expertise in non‑oncology areas such as infection control) and the conduct of medical clinical research. The role requires evidence‑based nursing practice, developing and coordinating care plans that address the physical, psychological, and social needs of cancer patients and their families participating in research trials. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as is a commitment to staying current with the literature and ongoing learning. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life‑changing cancer research and patient care, united in its mission to conquer cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases while fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist principal investigator with protocol development, protocol review process, and protocol budget development.
• Collaborate with the Dana‑Farber Harvard Cancer Center Quality Assurance of Clinical Trials Office to develop protocol‑specific materials.
• Serve as research coordinator for NCI, pharmaceutical‑sponsored, and National Cooperative Group protocols.
• Assist with patient recruitment and registration for clinical trials.
• Coordinate scheduling of laboratory and radiographic assessments, admissions, and clinic visits.
• Monitor test results as appropriate.
• Coordinate protocol data management as necessary.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external organizations to complete clinical research trials.
• Coordinate study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for patients on clinical trials.
• Function as an effective member of the health‑care team, collaborating with Care Coordination for patient referrals and with the primary nurse to meet patient care needs.
• Provide protocol education to patients and families, adapting interactions to age‑specific needs.
• Collect and prepare required specimens for analysis and monitor test results.
• Document observations in charts and communicate findings to protocol investigators and attending physicians.
• Provide protocol in‑service training and serve as a resource to the health‑care team.
• Monitor the environment of care for patient safety and ensure compliance with regulatory agency standards.
• Maintain evidence‑based clinical practice consistent with nursing policies, procedures, licensure/registration requirements, and professional scope and standards.
• Participate in QA/QI projects for the clinical program and the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (2001) in all professional practice.
• Foster an environment sensitive to the needs of diverse populations (culture, ethnicity, gender, age).
• Administer medications as necessary and maintain BLS certification.
• Identify areas for professional growth, formulate goals, pursue active membership in local/national professional organizations.
• Support research activities within the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Participate in Division of Nursing/Institute committees.
• Meet annual evaluation requirements and competencies within established time periods.
• Collaborate in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.

Requirements

• Education: Associate degree in Nursing; Baccalaureate degree in Nursing strongly preferred. If Associate degree in Nursing, must complete BSN within 4 years.
• Experience: 1 year of recent experience as a Registered Nurse; ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or State of New Hampshire as appropriate; AHA BLS required (AHA ACLS accepted as minimum).
• Preferred certifications: OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN‑BC.
• Supervisory responsibilities: None.
• Patient contact: Yes.