RN, Oncology Clinical Research

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone
  
  

Function/Duties of Position

Position Summary

This Oncology Clinical Research RN is responsible for the clinical research activities for cancer clinical research studies conducted at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The RN works collaboratively with other staff and provides services, as assigned by the supervisor, in furtherance of the university’s mission and goals. The primary objectives of this position are to recruit, screen, monitor and document the subjects’ responses to treatment. The RN provides monitoring and clinical expertise to ensure protocol adherence and accurate data collection. In addition to direct research responsibilities, the individual is this position is responsible for mentoring OHSU or affiliate site staff members, and identifying opportunities for and implementing process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical : Oversees and assists in providing and assuring the highest standard of care for subjects involved in oncology clinical trials at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.

• Initiates protocol screening and verifies eligibility for identified patients. Participates in the informed consent process through provision of detailed patient and family information of the appropriate protocol.
• Functions as a primary nurse for specific study population(s). Under the direction of a credentialed provider, the research nurse is responsible for evaluating current diagnosis information, ordering diagnostic tests and study medications to ensure protocol adherence, therapeutic interventions, sample acquisition, documentation of variances, ensuring appropriate billing process, and completion of accurate data collection.
• Provides telephone triage for lab/symptoms assessment, information, therapeutic intervention, and appropriate MD follow-up for protocol patients.
• Performs specific procedures appropriate to patient population including but not limited to venipunctures.
• Reinforces patient and family information regarding treatment options, specific drug administration, test/procedure aspects, and expected toxicity management.
• Coordinates the dispensing of study medications in accordance with specific protocol.
• Collaborates with nursing colleagues, and other members of the health care team, to insure smooth transitions and optimal patient care management.
• Reports adverse events in a timely fashion as required by specific clinical trial and by federal regulations.
• Facilitates development of study coordinators.
• Reviews protocol with principal investigator and other staff members to determine study feasibility.
• Provides appropriate documentation of study encounters, adverse events and concomitant medications in source document.
• Provides evidence-based nursing care consistent with the accepted professional standard related to their particular condition or therapy.
• Provides care and treatment that are consistent with the research protocol guiding their participation.
• Provides individualized treatment and monitoring to accommodate individual needs, to the extent allowed by the protocol, and that in all cases participant safety, comfort and well-being will be placed above research requirements.
• Provides prompt assessment and appropriate response to changes in condition or untoward responses to research procedures.
• Helps patients identify goals for treatment and study participation.
• Creates personal relationships with patients and ensure appropriate communication channels.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with members of the clinical research team to assure coordinated, high quality care.
• Ensures that information about their patient’s care and condition is discussed and communicated with confidentiality, and that care is being appropriately documented.
• Ensures that, while at the Knight Cancer Institute, the patient will have a sense of being cared for as an individual, and that they will receive prompt, courteous, and individualized services from nurses and patient care staff.
• Empowers and helps the patient to develop an understanding of their condition, research participation and treatment, and be able to manage self-care as appropriate after treatment is completed.
• Involves the patient with discussions and decisions about their plan of care and research participation.
  
  

Administrative

• Attends study initiation meetings
• Attends monitor visits, as needed
• Beacon validation
• Billing schedule review
• Assists with FDA inspections
• Assists with query resolution
• SAE grading and documentation
• Other assigned duties
  
  

Process Improvement

• Identifies opportunities for and implements process improvements, in collaboration with others within the Knight Cancer Institute.
  
  

Training/Mentoring of OHSU Knight staff members and Affiliate Hospital staff members:

• Mentors clinical research staff members, as assigned
• Participates in mentoring program of affiliate site Research Nurse shadowing at OHSU.
  
  

General

The OHSU Clinical registered nurse (RN) provides compassionate, evidence-based, and efficient care to individuals, families, communities and patient populations. The Clinical RN's care delivery is consistent with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and the ANA Code of Ethics. The Clinical RN demonstrates the professional role obligations of scientist, leader, and knowledge transferor [Onsomble Model of the Professional Role™]. Professional accountability enriches the Clinical RN's engagement as a leader in promoting an inter-professional culture of collaborative decision-making, innovation, life-long learning, and teamwork. The Clinical RN exemplifies the principles of a Culture of Safety by committing to a Just Culture, a Reporting Culture, a Learning Culture, and an Engaged Informed Culture.

Length Of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

• External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
• Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks, depending on the care area and relevant experience. An employment service agreement may apply.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Education and experience:

• BSN
• 5 years of clinical experience
• 3 years oncology experience
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• Current, unencumbered Washington State Registered Nurse License
• Must complete relevant research certification modules (eg. Citi Training) within 3 weeks of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification at time of hire; must not expire during orientation
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Deep knowledge of FDA, ICH GCP and other regulatory guidelines that govern clinical research;
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time;
• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems;
• Strong understanding of clinical research requirements with regard to staffing, systems and processes;
• Strong ability to set appropriate priorities and manage time;
• Ability to lead a group, serve as a mentor and/or facilitator, and create a positive work environment;
• Solution-oriented approach to issues;
• Proficiency with computers running Windows and PC applications e.g. MS Excel, Oracle, Access, Word and PowerPoint;
• Excellent customer service skills, both on the phone and in person;
• Energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously;
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships;
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience
• Clinical trials experience
• Research certification (SoCRA, ACRP)
• Oncology Certified Nurse
  
  

Additional Details

Relocation assistance package available.

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Paid Holidays
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-Met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources
  
  

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.