Oncology Research Nursing Professional (RN)

1.0 FTE, Full time, Day - 08 Hour, Hybrid

About the role

The Oncology Research Nursing Professional (ORNP) is a Registered Nurse (RN) who works collaboratively with Clinical Research Staff—including Physicians, Clinical Research Associates (CRA), APPs, Clinical Nurses, Pharmacists, and clinic staff—to coordinate care for patients enrolled in cancer center clinical research trials. As the research expert of the multi-disciplinary team, the ORNP works independently and is accountable for the accurate conduct of their assigned cancer research protocol portfolio. Primary activities include educating the team on protocols, setting up operational workflows, and ensuring adherence to good clinical practices. The ORNP also works with Principal Investigators (PIs) on assessment, management, and coordination of research patient care across outpatient, inpatient, and home settings, including triage of phone calls and proactive patient communication.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Trial Management
  • Collaborates with investigators to lead study patient screening, eligibility determination, and enrollment assessments, documenting criteria specified in the clinical trial.
  • Uses independent judgment to assess, identify, and prioritize clinical information for physicians, NPs, PAs, and other clinicians for patients evaluated or enrolled in clinical trials.
  • Assesses and documents signs and symptoms of illness, reactions to treatment, changes in physical/psychological condition, and general appearance in accordance with research protocols to avoid deviations.
  • Manages patient/family phone calls, collaborating with MDs, NPs, or PAs to obtain orders for patient management.
  • Communicates all aspects of care as defined by the research protocol with physicians, healthcare professionals, and research team members.
  • Collaborates with Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) to place and remove therapeutic clinical trial flags on patient records during active treatment.
  • Plans, coordinates, and completes randomization (if applicable), patient assessments (toxicity, diagnostic tests, questionnaires), treatments, and follow-up care according to protocol treatment plans.
  • Demonstrates multi-tasking, prioritization, and attention to detail to avoid protocol deviations.
• Informed Consent Process
  • Manages the consent process to ensure compliance with institutional, FDA, IRB, clinical trial sponsor, and other applicable regulations.
  • Oversees and participates in patient education regarding clinical trials, documenting education in the medical record.
  • Alerts the principal investigator of any patient concerns raised during the informed consent process.
  • Ensures signed consent forms are scanned into the medical record and aligned with institutional and sponsor processes.
• Protocol Compliance
  • Oversees and assists CRCs with internal/external study monitor visits, site visits, and study close-outs; collaborates on documentation reviews during protocol audits.
  • Develops protocol-specific Beacon order sets (or paper if needed) in collaboration with investigational pharmacy, nursing, and principal investigators for therapeutic clinical trials.
  • Ensures orders are reviewed, approved, and posted in Clinical Trials on Line (CTOL).
  • Promotes compliance with protocol procedures and processes as outlined in the clinical trial.
  • Collaborates with scheduling staff to ensure future appointments (follow-up visits and diagnostic testing) are scheduled correctly and timely.
  • Develops and provides education to nursing staff regarding clinical trials to ensure protocol adherence and safe medication administration.
• Additional Duties
  • Follows all institutional and regulatory guidelines, policies, and procedures when providing care.
  • Ensures adherence to GCP, ICH, FDA, and other regulatory agencies in the conduct of clinical research.
  • Provides care within the California Nurse Practice Act, considering age, culture, and social issues.
  • Maintains an organized and efficient work environment, participating in a collaborative team setting.
  • Stays current with organizational and regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Designs and provides training and guidance to operational teams.
  • Assesses feasibility, workflow design, setup, and implementation of research-specific programs and projects.
  • Assists Principal Investigators in protocol development; contributes to analysis and interpretation of clinical results; presents at local, regional, and national research meetings/conferences.
  • Reports on activities and outcomes proactively.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, functioning independently and following through on projects.
  • Manages multiple clinical research tasks and projects simultaneously across platforms.
  • Interacts with senior and executive-level staff as the subject matter expert for clinical research matters.
  • Acts as a preceptor/mentor for new research staff members and/or students.
  • Communicates vetted clinical research information at all organizational levels and with internal/external vendors.

Requirements

• Education
  • BSN or higher-level nursing degree required.
  • MSN highly preferred.
  • Master’s in research or healthcare-related field preferred.
• Experience
  • 5+ years of nursing experience or 3+ years in an oncology research nurse role required.
  • 2+ years of experience in oncology.
  • Experience in clinical research, ICU, pediatrics, case management, or nurse navigation preferred.
  • Human subjects’ protection and Good Clinical Practices training (can be completed after hire).
• Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to communicate vetted information at all organizational levels and with internal/external vendors.
  • Highly multi-task focused, managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously across platforms.
  • Ability to understand information flow and solve problems under pressure.
  • Conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to adapt and troubleshoot in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • Ability to work with ambiguity.
  • Proficiency with Outlook scheduling, WebEx, telepresence, and other technologies.
  • Experience working in a team environment and interacting with senior/executive-level staff.
  • Experience managing work and relationships in volatile environments.
  • Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
  • Independent, critical thinker with advanced written, verbal communication, and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to read, understand, and comprehend instructions with minimal direction.
  • Ability to respond to multiple personalities and work/management styles.
  • Resource management/utilization knowledge in projects.
  • Financial and business acumen.
  • Advanced proficiency in research management information systems, analytics, and metric management.
• Preferred Skills and Abilities
  • Previous experience as an oncology research RN or clinical research in a related field.
  • Master’s in a research-related degree.
• Licenses and Certifications
  • California Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • OCN - Oncology Nursing Certification preferred.
  • CCRP - Certified Clinical Research Professional preferred.
  • ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy certification within 1 year.
  • ACRP - Association of Clinical Research Professionals preferred.

Pay

Generally starting at $83.98 - $111.27 per hour. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.