Research Specialist - RN

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope's translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope's specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation's "Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

The Research Specialist is a Registered Nurse who actively participates in the implementation of research studies designed by the principal investigator. The Research Nurse Specialist is involved in the administration of investigational and behavioral therapies, recruitment of patients, assessment, treatment, data collection and follow up for patients enrolled in a research study. He/she shares responsibility with the principal investigators to ensure that experimental regimens are administered in a safe, predictable and efficient manner that psychosocial and clinical events are recorded, and that patient/families are prepared for participation in the behavioral-clinical protocols.

Key Responsibilities include:

Administration of Investigational and Behavioral Research

• Collaborates with the investigator to ascertain study patient eligibility for clinical trial, including documentation of criteria specified in the clinical trial.
• Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement the plan of care for the patient.
• Coordinates patients on research protocols under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Participates in the design of research protocols and data capture forms.
• Apply knowledge about pre-clinical pharmacological and toxicity data that supports the scientific rationale for evaluating investigational therapy.
• Participates in the assessment of side effects of treatment, based on knowledge of the patient's disease and clinical status. This includes recognizing unusual or unexpected side effects that may represent delayed or cumulative toxicity.
• Communicate with the principal and responsible investigators involved with specific trials at City of Hope and other institutions regarding conduct of trials and problems encountered.
• Prepare documents, which will provide oncology patient/families with pertinent information necessary for them to participate in a clinical investigation (the informed consent).
• Abstract information from the clinical record and prepare case reports.
• Coordinate and implement the behavioral intervention trial studies and related community education and research activities.
• Registered patients on study with the appropriate clinical data manager. This includes maintaining up-to-date knowledge of protocol requirements, such as eligibility criteria.
• Follow up with patient/families as necessary.
• Educate research staff about the rationale for protocols, and current progress of ongoing trials.
• Serve as a source of up-to-date information about the status of research trials for patient/families and other health care professionals.
• Ensure that the patient/family understands the investigational nature of the treatment, and follow-up appropriately when there are indications that patients/families have unanswered questions or unresolved concerns. This includes participation in the development of consent forms.
• Participate in educational workshops, seminars and rounds.
• Participate in Tumor Board, Grand Rounds, and Case Conference and staff meetings. Participate in community and professional activities and Oncology Nursing Society.

Informed Consent

• Ensures the consent process is performed in compliance with institutional, FDA, IRB, clinical trial sponsor and other applicable regulations.
• Participates in the education of the patient regarding the clinical trial - documenting the education regarding the clinical trial in the medical record.
• Alerts principal investigator of any concerns raised by the patient during the informed consent process.

Protocol Compliance

• Promotes compliance with protocol procedures and processes as outlined in the clinical trial.
• Coordinates and communicates all aspects of care as defined by the protocol with the physician and other health care professionals and research team members.
• Supports and evaluates patient adherence to protocol and documents any deviations for adherence in the medical record.
• Provides education to nursing staff as applicable regarding the clinical trial to assure that the protocol treatment plan is followed and that the medications are administered safely and as outlined in the clinical trial.
• Collaborates with scheduling staff to assure that future appointments for the patients (follow up visits and diagnostic testing) are scheduled correctly and timely.

Follows established City of Hope and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Experience: Two years of clinical experience in hospitals/health care agencies, 1 year of research experience

Required Certification/Licensure: Current California Registered Nurse

CPR certification

Preferred Certification/Licensure: Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN)

Preferred Experience: Oncology

Additional Information:

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate's experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.

As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.