Children's National Medical Center is hiring: RN Research Nurse - Neurology

Job Description - RN Research Nurse - Neurology - DC (240002GP)

Description

The Research Nurse Coordinator for the Movement Disorders and Myelin Disorders Programs within the Division of Neurology will support the overall care and research initiative for this program. The Research Nurse Coordinator is an essential member of the clinical and research team, coordinating IRB submissions and data entry, nursing care, medication procurement, and other services for patients and family members in the Movement Disorders program by telephonic, electronic, in person, and/or by mail. The clinical research program has dedicated specialists from Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuropsychology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Complex Care, Palliative Care, Genetics, Endocrine, and Physical Therapy.

The Nurse Coordinator's strong clinical background will enhance the family-centered care of children with these life-changing diseases. The Nurse Coordinator will consult with physicians and other healthcare providers in this group and will be instrumental in the implementation and follow-up of clinical plans/roadmaps, address patient questions expeditiously, and resolve health concerns. The program medical staff leaders will provide appropriate oversight and systems to ensure safety and success of this collaborative care model. Superior communication skills are of the utmost importance, as are a positive attitude and willingness to perform some necessary tedious tasks (e.g., assisting with complex insurance prior-authorizations) that are crucial to optimal care delivery in this trail-blazing field.

The Research Nurse Coordinator will undergo research-related training, facilitate the patients' participation in registries and research studies, and have the opportunity to develop as study support and as a co-investigator if desired. The position will be a hybrid in-person/remote work. In-person roles may include being present on clinic days at locations including SZ campus and affiliated regional outpatient centers.

The RN III Research Nurse works independently with minimal supervision following Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. The Research Nurse functions as a resource in the area of expertise for those professionals requiring assistance, participates 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.

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.
• Acts 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.
• Acts 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’s Performance Improvement process at the division or unit level.
• Participates in community activities.

Organizational Accountabilities
Organizational Commitment/Identification

• Anticipate and respond 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