(RN) Clinical Research Nurse - 135772

The Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI), is an NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institution that provides the infrastructure to support high-quality and innovative translational research. ACTRI's vision is to translate scientific discoveries into improved health by delivering education, training and infrastructure for clinical research in the San Diego area and beyond. Mike Hogarth, M.D. and Davey Smith M.D. are the principal investigators on ACTRI's CTSA grant. The ACTRI functions under the direction of Gary S. Firestein, M.D., Director, and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor Health Sciences at UC San Diego.

The CCR provides resources to perform human subject research, including a newly renovated clinic located in Linda Vista and an 18,000 sq. ft. research clinic, located in La Jolla. Operational and Clinical resources include coordinators, nurses, project managers, regulatory support, phase I unit, infusion center, pharmacy, DEXA scans, cardiac phenotyping, exercise physiology, and additional clinical services.

Under the direction of the Nursing Supervisor, serve as a Clinical Research Nurse and provides primary nursing to pediatric and adult volunteers in a clinical research unit, including but not limited to, drug administration, infusions, assisting with biopsies, glucose tolerance testing, monitoring vital signs, IV insertions and phlebotomy. Assist Principal Investigators in the conduct of research by providing nursing expertise in the recruitment, treatment, and monitoring of patients involved in clinical trials and other research studies, in the collection and analysis of patient data, and in the preparation of research documents for the submission to Institutional Review Boards, research sponsoring entities, and regulatory agencies. Organize and manage inpatient and outpatient functions as assigned. Review protocols and attend in-service presentations for new protocols. Advise research personnel on proper nursing skills required to perform the research study. Participate in quality assurance. Perform venipuncture, start and maintain IV lines, monitor conscious sedation, and process blood samples as required. Work on special projects as assigned by Medical Director and Nursing Supervisor.

Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care populations based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. All performance expectations associated with this position are performed at the PRACTITIONER Level.

• Current valid California Registered Nurse license

• Current BLS/CPR certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within 6 months of hire date.

• Six (6) months or more of active nursing experience.

• Knowledge of legal implications for clinical research.

• Knowledge of standard patient care equipment such as EKG, oximeter, blood pressure monitor, IV pumps, pipettes,centrifuge.

• Proven ability to understand complex research protocols, including rationales for clinical/laboratory measurements and results; experience educating staff in the research process.

• Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity.

• Ability to draw blood, start IV lines, collect specimens and administer medications via all routes.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in addition to excellent interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse group of people.

• Ability to understand clinical research protocols and carry out specialized clinical research procedures such aspharmacokinetic sampling, gene therapy, chemotherapy.

• Ability to make clinical decisions in patient care matters.

• Ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure.

• Ability to teach clinical skills.

• Ability to apply urine bags to pediatric and adult patients.

• Ability to set priorities and organize work.

• Experience in recognizing adverse events and reporting.

• Experience in collaboration with medical and scientific investigators.

• Computer literacy including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet software, email, Internet browsers.

• Certification as a clinical research coordinator.

• ACLS and/or ART.

• One (1) year ER or ICU background.

• Epic experience.

• Must be willing to commute between Hillcrest Medical Center, La Jolla CTRI facilities and possibly Rady Children's Hospital.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule - days, some evenings and very infrequent nights if needed.

• Annual TB /Immunization Clearance required.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.