Through evidence-based nursing practice, under supervision, in one or more of a variety of inpatient and/or outpatient settings, the Research Nurse Coordinator coordinates the provision of professional nursing research and study services in support of a specified medical research program. Coordinates the recruitment, care, and treatment of research subjects in accordance with established study protocol and in accordance with FDA guidelines for clinical trials, research study management, and monitoring. Ensures adherence to hospital/departmental and hospital policies, and to established nursing procedures, standards, and practices.
A day in the life of a Research Nurse Coordinator:
- Responsible for the delivery of nursing care through the use of nursing process, evidence-based practice and best-practice standards
- Participates in and coordinates the planning, development, and implementation of clinical protocols in accordance with research parameters set out by the principal investigator.
- Oversees the planning, scheduling, and implementation of day-to-day clinical activities and procedures, ensuring efficient workflow and adequate care and treatment of research subject.
- Plans and carries out programs for the recruitment, screening, enrollment, and retention of clinical research subjects and/or volunteers; instructs subjects on treatment methods and protocol.
- Establishes appropriate data collection systems and procedures, according to pre-established research protocol; coordinates and monitors the collection, processing, and recording of clinical data and/or specimen samples, as required by established study protocol.
- Ensures that all clinical activities are carried out in accordance with established research protocol and within acceptable clinical procedure and safety standards.
- Monitors and records patient response to treatment and communicates study data and results to investigators; maintains complete source documentation and oversees the preparation of study activity reports for sponsors and various medical, legal and regulatory bodies, as appropriate.
- Develops and/or coordinates the maintenance of records on medication dispensation and inventory usage during the course of the study; ensures confidentiality of subject records.
- Provides collaboration and administrative coordination between investigators and ancillary departments, research subjects, sponsoring organizations, and/or regulating bodies.
- Represents and promotes the objectives and activities of research studies to various internal and/or external constituencies, as appropriate.
- Administers prescribed study medications, performs phlebotomy, monitors vital signs, and/or performs other specialized nursing procedures, as appropriate to the specific needs of the study and individual subjects.
- May oversee and guide the work of other nursing and/or support staff engaged in study activities.
- Leads and directs team efforts in provision of patient care
- Collaborates with physicians, case managers and other disciplines to achieve positive patient care outcomes and patient/family satisfaction.
- Performs in leadership role in Interdisciplinary team meetings and dialogues with health-team members.
- Intervenes and takes appropriate action and decisions based upon data available and resources. Participates actively in the Quality Assurance programs of the hospital and the department.
- Maintains emergency equipment, supplies and medications according to established department inventories. Ensures that emergency equipment is working before and at the end of shift.
- Safeguards patient and personal safety of self and other team members in work environment
- Maintains professional standards of Nursing Care Practice, Infection Control and safety procedures of the hospital and nursing division.
- Functions in emergency situations according to role, utilizing sound nursing judgment and critical thinking.
- Demonstrates Professional Development and Leadership Roles
- Performs charge nurse responsibilities in absence of nurse manager, or assistant, as applicable.
- Maintains current in knowledge of best practices, skills competency and evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrates on-going continuing education and self-development/professional growth initiatives.
- Orients new nursing personnel, serves as a role model and preceptor to staff and students.
- Actively participates in shared-governance processes including unit-practice council, nursing and other hospital committees, and tasks teams.