Clinical Nurse - Clinical & Translational Research Center (CTRC)

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

 The primary purpose of the Outpatient Clinical Nurse position is to coordinate and implement patient care across the continuum of care. The Outpatient Clinical Nurse is accountable and responsible for providing quality, evidence-based patient care through the appropriate use of resources in collaboration with the inter-professional team. Acts as a patient and family advocate to uphold patient rights. Organizes and prioritizes work of patient care team; trains, coaches and assists team members to ensure optimum patient care and efficient use of resources.  

Clinical & Translational Research Center (CTRC) is an on-site resource for M.D. Anderson investigators performing early clinical trials; and where patients receive intensive monitoring for complex, early-phase clinical trials. 

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of clinical nursing experience preferably in oncology, research, med/surg and/or cardiac. 

Shift:  12:00 pm - 10:30 pm rotating weekends and holidays with late patient coverage based on business needs. 

KEY FUNCTIONS

Clinical

• Administers drugs (routine and emergency) observing the “5 RIGHTS”:  Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time.
• Maintains proficiency in use of required devices and technology (computers, small and large volume infusion pumps, pt care equipment).
• Reports and carefully documents all adverse reactions to commercial and investigational agents.
• Assists with management and documentation of adverse drug reactions and basic cardiac life support as indicated
• On behalf of patients, acts to ensure care that is safe, ethical and appropriate with consideration for values, ethics, and human rights.
• Provides age appropriate care and education to adult patients at various ages and stages throughout the life continuum.
• Accurate, clear legible communication to support protocol data collection.

Facilitator/Consultant

• Assumes primary responsibility for serving as a clinical expert for 3-4 assigned clinical protocols and serves as the primary liaison to research team and resource to peer staff and CTRC lab for assigned protocols.
• Attends protocol start-up and site initiation meetings for selected protocols, coordinates resources needed for implementation with management, the study sponsor and the principal investigator.
• Attends and participates in research in-services
• Participate in the protocol review process as assigned.

Quality Assurance

• Assures adherence to research requirement through accurate detailed documentation in the institutional EMR.
• Assists in the ARMADA system project.
• Reviews medical orders for consistency with the protocol and PK orders.
• Collaborate with lab team to ensure protocol compliance.

Operational

• Completes or assures completion of all technical and research billing.
• Participates in initiatives to achieve goals, objectives and operational plans of the Clinical and Translational Research Center.
• Inputs patient data into all required data bases.
• Participates in tours for governmental and industry clinical trials sponsors.

Transformational Leadership:

• Organized and priorities work of patient care team
• Assures continuity of care as patients transition across the continuum through appropriate discharge planning, patient education and coordination of services
• Practice autonomously within the scope of professional nursing practice.
• Legible, concise, detailed documentation of the complete patient visit to support protocol requirement.