GENERAL SUMMARY:

Using established procedures, perform assessments independently and in collaboration with the physician investigator to ensure that the objectives of an established oncology research protocol are met and in compliance with IRB and sponsor guidelines. Identify and recruit patients into oncology clinical trials. Facilitate clinical testing and check results to determine patient eligibility for a clinical trial. Coordinate patient care across multiple departments/ disciplines, ensuring that the treatment adheres to both strict protocol timelines and the critical clinical timeline that is based on the specific patient scenario/diagnosis. Responsible for providing education regarding diagnosis, clinical trial, and investigational chemotherapy to patients and their families. Responsible for nursing oversight of the investigational chemotherapy treatment. Ensure that chemotherapy orders are written according to the dosing guidelines defined by the clinical trial. Responsible for checking the safety parameters and initiating treatment when patients present for chemotherapy. Triage all patient clinical needs, including immediate and delayed reactions from the investigational agent, which often requires coordination with the patient's primary care physician and external institutions. Initiate direct admissions to the hospital, and referrals to Behavioral Health, Homecare and/or Hospice as appropriate. Support physician investigators and other clinicians as necessary to facilitate patient participation and compliance in oncology. Provide educational in-services on investigational chemotherapy and clinical trial compliance measures to infusion nurses, inpatient staff and other departments as necessary.