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 Research Nurse position is to provide basic assessment for protocol eligibility, clinical data design and management, patient and staff education, coordination of specific protocol treatment (in-patient and/or out-patient). The primary purpose of the Coordinator, Research Data

KEY FUNCTIONS 

Assessment: Screens patients for protocol eligibility and participation in clinical trials that may require the analysis of patient data and charts using visual acuity to determine eligibility. These duties may require frequent bending and stooping to access patient data and charts that may weigh up to ten pounds. 

Specific duties may include:

Assessing in-patients and/or out-patients for protocol eligibility.

Identifying patient and family education needs regarding treatment and follow-up on specific clinical trials. Identifying nursing staff in-service needs regarding administration and monitoring of patients on specific clinical trials.

Administering protocol survey to patients.

Intervention: Participates in the coordination and monitoring of patient treatment in clinical trials.

Specific duties may include: 

Scheduling tests before, during, and after treatment.

Administering investigational and non-investigational medications as required by the protocol.

Obtaining pharmacology and other required laboratory specimens for research purposes.

Monitoring patient responses during treatment on clinical trial and performing general follow-up as required by protocol.

Teaching patient and family about administration and side effects of medication.

In-servicing nursing and technical staff on the management of patients in specific clinical trials.

Executing primary research design including double- and single-blind studies.

Collecting blood samples for the protocol project. This will require veni-puncture skills with a steady hand and arm posture and follow accepted institutional procedures for collection of specimens.

Maintaining records in endoscopy database as required by primary investigator.

Evaluation: monitors, and in collaboration with the physician, evaluates patient response to protocol treatment. 

Specific duties may include:

Determining tumor response to protocol treatment.

Grading of toxicities as defined in specific protocols. This may involve dealing with hazardous chemicals that will require the wearing of personal safety protection equipment.

Reporting toxicities and adverse drug reactions to protocol sponsor and Institutional Review Board (IRB). Entering required research data into the EPRTCL or case report form.

Assisting the physician in the evaluation of data collected from specific clinical trials.