Works directly with cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials.  Coordinates all aspects of patient care from the start of clinical trial treatment through the duration of the research study.  Assists oncology physicians in the clinical management of patient treatment and outcomes.  Educates patients about clinical trial options and the risks/benefits of participating in research studies.  Perform data management activities for research studies (protocols). Maintain compliance with hospital and regulatory bodies’ guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials. 

Education:

• BSN degree preferred.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Illinois license to practice as Registered Nurse required.
• Oncology certified nurse (OCN) credential or alternate certification in clinical research preferred.   

Experience:

• Three years recent adult acute care experience required.
• Two years oncology nursing preferred.
• Demonstrated clinical experience appropriate to the oncology patient population; must be able to understand and coordinate the multidisciplinary nature of cancer care across settings and disease trajectory.
• Experience in research data management preferred.

1. Anticipates the needs of patients and their families and serves as a link between hospital departments, physician offices and outside agencies to connect patients to the resources and programs that will meet their disease and individual needs based on the research protocol.

2. Works closely with physician offices to provide physicians, office staff, and patients a seamless entry for clinical services from the office setting to the services necessary for the patient in the research protocol.

3. Coordinates the physician and nursing care plans between settings via personalization and customization to enhance the patient experience.

4. Prepare and submit written adverse drug reaction reports to the NCI and research bases as required.
5. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.
  • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.
  • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.
  • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

6. Serve as a liaison between Memorial, the research bases, the Heartland NCORP (National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program), and the individual investigators (physicians).

7. Serve as a professional resource and/or instructor regarding clinical trials, protocol procedures, and protocol compliance for investigators, nurses, pharmacists, pathologists, radiologists, and other health care personnel both inside and outside of Memorial.

8. Coordinates the timely scheduling of tests, procedures, appointments and treatments.

9. Assist investigators in developing individual office systems to make protocol procedures convenient and help ensure protocol compliance.

10. Responsible for data management activities that relate to any research studies coordinated through the Regional Cancer Center.

• • Patient screening and determining eligibility.
  • Obtaining informed consent and patient teaching.
  • Registering patients on research studies.
  • Clinical follow-up and data submission maintenance.
  • Quality control regarding documentation, protocol compliance, and data submission requirements.
  • Evaluations and analysis of research/data management activities. 

11. Maintain a record keeping system that documents patients registered on research studies, their protocol status, and copies of the informed consent, source documents and the data submitted. 

12. Order and monitor investigational and provided drug inventories and drug accountability records in central and satellite pharmacies.

13. Delegate/prioritize responsibilities when appropriate due to fluctuations in workload.

14. Attends general and site-specific cancer case conferences to identify patients who can benefit from research protocols and opportunities for Memorial to improve cancer care delivery services.

15. Represent Memorial’s Regional Cancer Center’s policies and philosophy to others.

16. Train new employees of research division in protocol coordination activities and data management.

17. Coordinate and/or assist with clinics designed to collect research data.

18. Coordinate and manage selected pharmaceutical trials as assigned.

20. Promotes programs and resources of the Regional Cancer Center and Memorial Health System to patients and families, hospital departments, and physician partners.
21. Observe institutional and federal regulations related to informed consent and scientific integrity of research
22. Identifies gaps in patient care experiences and modifies interventions and service offerings to accommodate patient needs.

22. Coordinates patient care with inpatient and clinic nursing staff and patient care facilitators to anticipate patient needs and plan for coordination of services following discharge.

23. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required by the Administrator and program Director. 

24. Performs other related work as required or requested.