The RN III Research Nurse works independently with minimal supervision following Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. The Research Nurse functions as a resource in area of expertise for those professionals requiring assistance, participate in setting standards and monitoring the quality of care for research protocols and uses multidisciplinary collaboration to meet complex needs as they relate to the research process. The Research Nurse coordinates research projects, uses detail-oriented documentation of all research-related procedures and outcomes, continually reviews the research process and provides feedback to the principal investigator, research coordinators and other members of the research team. All nursing practice is based on the legal scope of practice, national and specialty nursing standards, Children's National Policies and Procedures and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Professional Model of Care requires registered professional nurses to be responsible and accountable for their own practices. Children's National supports the development of RN relationships within the community, specifically those relationships associated with the health and wellbeing of the community at large.
Qualifications:
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree Graduate of an approved school of nursing (Required)
MSN (Preferred)
Minimum Work Experience
2 years Related clinical nursing experience in a comparable setting. (Required)
1 year Pediatrics experience (Preferred)
Required Skills/Knowledge
Demonstrated advanced clinical, organizational and communication skills.
Ability to learn the clinical trials and/or grants process.
Demonstrated ability to gain understanding of the federal and institutional regulations and policies governing clinical research involving protection of human subjects (JCAHO, FDA, GCP, OHRP, IRB [NIH/NCRR for PCRC only]).
Successful completion of orientation at Children's National.
Computer skills; familiarity with MS business software and EPRS.
Demonstrated independent decision-making in executing research plan.
Ability to demonstrate cost containment and quality assurance.
Strong attention to detail.
Required Licenses and Certifications
Registered Nurse in District of Columbia (Required)
Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Plans, conducts and manages research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Integrate Nursing Process with Research Plan

• Supports the Division of Nursing's Performance Improvement process at the division or unit level.

• Performs assessments related to overt and subtle patient needs by making proficient clinical assessments according to GCP.

• Integrates patient data to anticipate problems associated with changing patient status as they relate to the research process.

• Collects data obtained from a range of sources in the development and revision of research activities.

• Assists others in protocol implementation and acts as a role model for the evaluation of research process.

• Acts as an advocate in meeting patient/family needs related to research protocol.

Communication

• Protects patient/family right to confidentiality in relation to research protocol.

• Act as a role model for other professionals by communicating responsively, respectfully and assertively.

• Collaborates with physicians and other healthcare professionals throughout all phases of the research process.

• Serves as protocol liaison to community-based physicians regarding patient referrals for clinical trials in coordination with the ACTU Study Coordinator.

• Uses conflict resolution skills proficiently in dealing with research problems concerning staff, patient/family and other members of the healthcare or research team.

Patient Services/ Plan of Care

• Designs orientation materials for both patient/family and health professionals as related to the research protocol as necessary.

• Serves as content expert in the development, review and revision of educational materials developed for research study.

• Evaluates effectiveness of research teaching plan in meeting educational needs of staff/patient/family and makes recommendations for change as needed.

• Takes initiative in the review and management of research orientation program and examines its impact on unit functioning.

• Explains research projects and their significance to potential research subjects and parents of children potentially involved in research projects.

• Ensures informed consents are obtained from subjects before initiation of any aspect of research projects.

Professional Development

• Plans activities to meet own educational needs.

• Applies established findings of research to nursing practice when appropriate.

• Addresses practice problems that arise from research through systematic assessment and documentation.

• Act as Children's National representative when networking with other health care providers at professional meetings, other facilities, etc.

Leadership

• Acts as liaison and information resource about protocol for hospital departments, sponsors and other study centers.

• Actively contributes to the planning and implementation of change made necessary by the research protocol and coordinates research protocol through all phases of research process.

• Acts as data manager for protocol and prepares new clinical protocol for IRB submission; coordinates and maintains activities to ensure study protocols are carried out effectively and appropriate time frame.

• Assists research staff to review priorities and redirect activities as needed.

• Organizes schedule to coordinate several ongoing projects and/or different phases of the research process.

• Anticipates the effect of the study on unit functioning; obtains prior approval from Nurse Manager for changes that adversely affect unit function.

• Prepares, submits and monitors administrative and regulatory documents for study sponsors.

• Coordinates patient recruitment activities to ensure a proper informed consent is obtained.

• Coordinates research activities by communicating with sponsoring agencies on a regular basis.

Professional Practice/ Research

• Participates in Shared Leadership.

• Contributes to Children's National's MAGNET Journey.

• Ensures nursing practice is based on evidence of best practice.

• Participates in the Division of Nursing' Performance Improvement process at the division or unit level.

• Participates in community activities.

Organizational Accountabilities
Organizational Accountabilities (Staff)
Organizational Commitment/Identification

• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance