At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Research Nurse (CRN) position is licensed clinician who is responsible for, with minimal supervision, supporting, facilitating and coordinating the daily clinical trial activities and plays a critical role in the conduct of the study. This position functions at the Competent level according to the Benner's model of clinical practice. The CRN provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently to research patients under the supervision of the Clinical Trials Manager and Principal Investigator. This position implements clinical research patient care via the research protocol. The CRN position works with the Performance Improvement department, sponsor, and institution to support and provide guidance on the administration of the GCP compliance, financial and other related aspects of the research study. This position serves as a liaison between physicians, patients, staff and sponsors. The CRN position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to standards and guidelines established by regulatory agencies and Houston Methodist to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

　　PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Uses therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to provide research interventions care to clinical research patients and coordinates with interprofessional team as written in the research protocol. Contributes to teamwork by consistently responding positively to requests for assistance.

　　Provides patient education regarding disease process and involves patient and family in decision-making processes. Consistently evaluates the patient's comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly. Advocates on patient/family's behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns, utilizing appropriate resources.

　　Facilitates onboarding and orientation process for new staff in conjunction with Clinical Trials Manager. Precepts new clinical research staff in clinical setting. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

　　SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Demonstrates ability to manage multiple projects at different stages of the clinical research process (Phase 1-Phase 4).

　　Coordinates pre-site and site initiation visits; trains hospital and clinic nurses/physicians on scientific aspects and protocol requirements of research studies. Attends off-site investigator meetings.

　　Provides comprehensive nursing assessments to develop, coordinate, implement and evaluate activities associated with all phases of clinical research projects. Monitors safety of all research subjects and reports adverse events. Practices in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity and inclusion principles.

　　Helps drive improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.

　　QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Follows the clinical research protocol and nursing process and modifies care based on continuous evaluation of the research patient's condition. Performs nursing functions independently and in collaboration with Principal Investigator as approved by Hospital administration for the conduct of clinical research.

　　Collects, processes and ships protocol-required lab specimens; maintains supply and equipment inventory; maintains appropriate laboratory certification as well as perform study closeout procedures including post-study documentation, return of study materials to the sponsor and data archiving.

　　Collaborates and prepares with Principal Investigator, Institutional Review Board (IRB) and regulatory documents for submission assuring compliance with local and federal regulatory standards as appropriate and required by the research protocol. Follows International Council for Harmonisation/Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

　　FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Assisting financial analyst in development of calendar and Medicare Cost Analysis. standard of care procedures vs. research and approving study calendars for Clinical Trials Management System.

　　Identifies, recruits, and consents clinical research subjects for participation in approved clinical trials; monitors enrollment goals and modifies enrollment strategies, as necessary.

　　Enters study related data into Clinical Trials Management System (CTMS) in accordance with Houston Methodist Research Institute policy.

　　GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement in patient care operations using evidence-based practice literature. Offers innovative solutions through evidence-based practice/performance improvement projects and activities.

　　Maintains accountability for ongoing professional growth and development. Participates in unit activities. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis.

　　This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

　　EDUCATION

　　Bachelor's degree in Nursing or higher from an accredited school of nursingWORK EXPERIENCE

　　One year acute care or clinical research experienceLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

　　RN - Registered Nurse - Texas State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure within 90 days or

　　RN-Temp - Registered Nurse - Temporary State Licensure within 90 days and

　　BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

　　KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

　　Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

　　Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

　　Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

　　Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking using an analytical approach

　　Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving

　　Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

　　Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

　　SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

　　WORK ATTIRE

　　Uniform Yes

　　Scrubs Yes

　　Business professional No

　　Other (department approved) No

　　ON-CALL*

　　*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

　　On Call* NoTRAVEL

　　Travel specifications may vary by department

　　May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No

　　May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

　　Company Profile:

　　The Houston Methodist Academic Institute team science approach bridges the boundaries between medical specialties and research and development labs to advance the practice of medicine and population health. We innovate in health care delivery and technology by streamlining the path discoveries take into the clinic with inventive development and adoption practices. Our teams are also dedicated to training clinicians and researchers from around the world in translational medicine and advanced technology. Houston Methodist's primary academic affiliates are top-ranked Weill Cornell Medical College and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences for faculty appointments and graduate programs offered on our Houston campus.

　　The Institute oversees 600,000 sq ft of dedicated space and the administrative and operational infrastructure for basic and applied research and clinical trials, including more than 20 advanced tech core facilities, extramural funding management, regulatory and legal strategy and compliance, and product development and commercialization. This infrastructure is fully integrated with our hospital systems and supports more than 50,000 learners, 700 faculty, 2000 credentialed researchers, 6,000 research projects and clinical trials that creates innovative breakthroughs in human disease and the practice of medicine every day.

　　Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

　　Equal Employment Opportunity

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.