Veterans Health Foundation

 The Clinical Research Nurse will plan, coordinate, and manage all activities associated with the initiation, conduct and completion of assigned clinical trials.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screens all potential and physician-referred patients for protocol eligibility. Maintains and submits monthly screening logs.

• Presents trial concepts and details to the patients and participates in the informed consent process under the direction of the physician.

• Documents informed consent process and all components of protocol treatment. Participate in ongoing patient education. Coordinates scheduling of tests and treatments required for the protocol.

• Assesses patients for changes in condition, adverse events, concomitant medication use, protocol compliance, response to study drug, and thoroughly documents all findings.

• Completes assessments and study procedures as delegated by PI and per protocol requirements.

• Administer investigational medications as delegated by PI and per protocol requirements.

• Obtain, coordinate, process and ship subject blood samples, cultures, tissues, and other specimens for laboratory analysis as described in study protocol. Assist research phlebotomist when necessary.

• Provide training and direction for new personnel and affected service lines on protocol procedures.

• Provide cross coverage for trials assigned to other clinical coordinators as directed by direct supervisor.

• Works directly with the physician/investigator and clinic staff to ensure protocol compliance.

• Ensures accurate and timely completion of data collection and entry in accordance with protocol.

• Works with the VA Pittsburgh Investigational Drug Service team to coordinate research drug procurement and accountability.

• Coordinates, participates in and supports all site auditing and monitoring visits

• Actively participates in protocol initiations and study specific educational programs. Communicates and collaborates on an ongoing basis with various hospital service lines.

• Provides a safe environment for patients, families, and clinical staff at all times through compliance with all federal, state, and professional regulatory standards. Maintains strict patient confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and applicable law.

• Comply with local education requirements.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program; BSN or RN  preferred.

• Minimum 3 years of clinical nursing experience; oncology experience preferred.

• Clinical research experience highly desired.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current RN license in PA.

• Research certifications (SOCRA, ACRP) preferred.

• Phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG competency required.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of GCP, FDA regulations, HIPAA, and IRB processes.

• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic research/health record systems.

• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment with occasional extended hours depending on protocol.

• Exposure to clinical procedures, biohazards, and investigational products.

• US Citizenship required

VHF is a mission driven organization that values a team-oriented culture and actively encourages internal career advancement. We are a mid-size nonprofit, closely connected with the VA and its affiliated academic medical partners. We are a nimble organization, offering ongoing training, opportunities for growth, generous benefits, great work-life balance, as well as friendly, close-knit, and supportive environment. At VHF, we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists across a broad spectrum of research areas. We recruit talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative research.

VHF is delighted to offer a competitive employee benefits package which includes:
• 19 days Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Federal Holidays
• a 401(k) with a 5% company match
• Medical, Vision, & Dental insurance for Employees and Families- Employer paid at 70%
• Professional development training