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