Dana-Farber Cancer Institute·Boston, Massachusetts
The Research Nurse implements and evaluates clinical research within a specific program, utilizing expert knowledge of cancer treatment modalities and clinical research processes. Key duties involve administrative support for protocols, coordinating patient recruitment, scheduling, data management, and providing direct clinical care coordination and education to patients and families.
The Research Nurse in collaboration with the physician, is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of clinical research in their specific program/area.
The CRN has expert knowledge of cancer as a disease process, cancer treatment modalities (or comparable knowledge for a non-oncology area, e.g. infection control) and the process of conducting medical clinical research.
In addition, the CRN utilizes evidence-based nursing practice and has expertise in developing and coordinating a plan of care designed to meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of those cancer patients and their families undergoing therapy in a clinical research trial.
Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are required.
Knowledge of current literature and a commitment to continued learning are also required.
Specific duties and responsibilities may vary across the different programs/areas.
The float research nurse will be expected to float to various disease groups.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care.
We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases.
We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.
We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Job Description: Primary
Assists principal investigator with protocol development.
Assists principal investigator as appropriate with the Institute’s protocol review process.
Assists the principal investigator in developing the protocol budget.
Collaborates with the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center DFHCC quality assurance of clinical trials office in developing protocol specific materials.
Serves as research coordinator for National Cancer Institute, pharmaceutical-sponsored, and National Cooperative Group protocols.
Assists with recruitment and registration of patients to clinical trials.
Coordinates scheduling of patient’s laboratory and radiographic assessments, admissions and clinic visits.
Monitors test results as appropriate.
Coordinates protocol data management as necessary.
Collaborates with staff within the Institute and with outside organizations in the completion of clinical research trials.
Coordinates study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for patients participating in clinical trials.
Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
Collaborates with Care Coordination for all patient care referrals.
Collaborates with primary nurse in assuring that patient care needs are met.
Provides protocol education to patients and families; adapts interactions based on age-specific needs of the patient.
Collects and prepares required specimens for analysis and monitors test results, as appropriate.
Documents in charts as appropriate and communicates observations and findings to protocol investigator and attending physicians.
Provides protocol in-service training and serves as a resource to the health care team.
Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety, and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures, licensure/registration requirements, and professional scope and standards.
Participates in QA/QI projects for the clinical program and the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2001) in all aspects of professional practice.
Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
Administers medications as necessary.
Maintains BLS certification.
Identifies areas for professional growth.
Formulates professional goals, objectives and methods for accomplishing these.
Pursues active membership of local and national professional organizations.
Supports research activities within the Division of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
Participates in Division of Nursing / Institute committees.
Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.
Minimum
Job
Qualifications:
Education: Associate degree, Nursing. Baccalaureate degree in Nursing strongly preferred. If Associate degree in Nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years.
Candidates must possess an Associate degree in Nursing (with a commitment to obtaining a BSN within 4 years) and at least one year of recent Registered Nurse experience, preferably in ambulatory or oncology settings. A Massachusetts or New Hampshire RN license and current AHA BLS certification are required.
Market context
In Massachusetts, nursing roles often draw steady demand, especially in specialty settings like oncology where prior RN experience can matter. These positions are competitive because employers commonly look for an active RN license, an ADN at minimum, and prefer candidates with oncology background and a BSN. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight oncology experience, licensure, and any relevant advancement or recognition achievements.
