Clinical Research Nurse Specialist

Department
BSD SUR - Transplant Surgery: Research - Islet Lab
About the Department
The Section of Transplantation is built on a strong history of surgical excellence, including the first-ever animal organ transplant in 1904. Over the years, the section has gone on to achieve many more 'firsts,' including the first successful living donor liver transplant and the first heart-liver-kidney transplant in the world. Today, UChicago Medicine is home to one of the busiest organ transplant centers in the nation and offers more transplant options than any other program in Illinois.
What our surgeons can achieve in the operating room would not be possible without the ongoing work that is done in our laboratories, and this is especially true in the Section of Transplantation. Our researchers are well known for their basic science research in transplantation tolerance and clinical trial work around islet cell transplantation for diabetes.
Job Summary
The Clinical Research Nurse Specialist manages post-transplant patients and contributes to multiple studies within the section of Transplant Surgery under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Piotr Witkowski. The incumbent will participate in a variety of Clinical Research projects/studies involving various modalities of treatment for patients, including multi-centered cooperative group and intergroup trials at a national level, multi-institutional pharmaceutical trials, and single and multi-centered trials.
Responsibilities
Clinical:

• Leads patient post-transplant medical care in relation to study protocols under supervision of the PI.
• Educates potential research subjects concerning clinical aspects of their disease, purpose and nature of the protocol, and impact on the patient should they agree to participate (i.e., treatment schema, tests, clinic visits, etc.).
• Meets with patients in clinic and completes study visits and assessments as deemed necessary.
• Evaluates all lab results for signs of toxicity or complications related to either the treatment or disease.
• Coordinates all follow-up lab tests specified by the study and additional tests at the discretion of the PI to evaluate toxicities and treatment.
• Teaches patients and their family members how to administer injections and signs and symptoms of side effects.
• Covers on-call service to answer patient questions, which occur after business hours (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Works with PI to coordinate hospital admissions, transplant procedures, and study related tests.
• Develops resources and materials for patient and family teaching, if none exist.
• Provides family education depending on patient's illness and route of medication delivery.
• Provides in-servicing and educating both the nursing units and lab staff regarding upcoming and ongoing protocols.

Research:

• Participates in established and future research programs.
• Provides assistance with IRB submissions.
• Instructs the investigator and research staff on the submission process and provides instructional material for reference.
• Works with PI, sponsoring agencies, Medicine Administration, and Office of Research Services to assist with amendment submission, changes or corrections to protocols/and or consent forms.
• Works with administrators to submit and revise clinical trial agreements.
• Assists in setting up regulatory documents, shadow file systems, databases, screening logs, adverse experience reporting mechanism, and regulatory binders.
• Trains and participates in trial related activity from the initial entry to complete follow-up of patients enrolled into research protocols.
• Reports adverse drug reactions and submits the appropriate documentation to the FDA, NCI and IRB.
• Assists in recruiting patients for identified clinical trials.
• Supervises and trains staff on proper data management techniques.
• Provides cross coverage for other team members

Other:

• Develops and implements treatment plans and provides guidance on therapies. Provides follow-up with patients.
• Implements evaluation programs regarding the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice or organizational systems.
• Guides clinical practices for patient care or research projects, such as by reviewing patient records, monitoring compliance, and meeting with regulatory authority.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Master of Science in Nursing.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of clinical patient experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to provide direct patient care professionally and respectfully.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work onsite 5 days per week.
• Ability to take call on selected nights and weekends.
• Ability to travel and participate in scientific conferences.
• Ability to participate in research promotion events after normal working hours.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Healthcare & Medical Services
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
Yes
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
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Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
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