Full Job Description
Under general supervision of several Department of Pediatrics investigators in the Division of Medical Genetics, the clinical research Nurse Practitioner will be responsible for services supporting clinical research investigators and the care of research and research infusion patients. An understanding of research protocols and compliance practices is vital for this role. This role also works closely with the Nursing Director at the Pediatric Clinical Research Center (PCRC), the nursing staff in the Research Infusion Center (RIC), and the clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and support staff of the research unit. This includes assessment of patient needs, implementations of research protocols and nursing interventions, treatment delivery, monitoring and patient education. To accomplish these tasks, the incumbent works directly with patients as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. Direct patient care includes initiating enzyme replacement therapy and other investigational treatments, administering medications, procedures, patient education, phlebotomy, vitals monitoring and observation.
Research Specific Tasks include:
- Utilize the nursing process in providing care for research patients in accordance with appropriate policies, procedures, and study protocols.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate appropriate plan prior to initiating treatment.
- Initiate intravenous (IV) via central port or peripheral access, intrathecal (IT), and intracerebroventricular (ICV) treatments and administer medication in a timely fashion; report and follow-up with investigators for any unusual occurrence that is treatment or study procedure related.
- Act as the primary point of contact for on-site and off-site research, infusion-related clinical questions (i.e., responsible for research clinic pager and responding to home nursing questions).
- Complete monthly nursing assessment notes and participate in primary nursing patient care conference.
- Comply with activities mandated by Hospital Policy and relevant research authorities.
- Maintain knowledge of and adherence to established research, clinical and administrative policies and procedures.
- Ongoing protocol training and review.
- Attend investigator meetings and research conferences.
- Work with CRCs and UCSF/BCH staff to ensure study procedures are completed according to protocol, specimens are properly collected and stored, and required data is collected in a timely manner
- Participate in research improvement activities.
- Support the management of infrastructure before and during study execution, including database management, space allocation, equipment procurement, and specimen/sample storage and transportation; work with leadership to ensure proper execution of studies.
- Support the management of activities for cohorts in various areas of studies and disciplines; and for clinical trials in various disciplines.
- May participate in relevant subject matter conferences and contribute to study planning and updates with industry sponsors.
- Support the Clinical Research Nurse Manager in managing tasks and time of research nurses depending on program needs.
- Support the training of research nurses and CRCs on clinical protocol requirements.
Department Description
The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments in the School of Medicine with 20 specialty divisions and over 400 faculty members, of which 12% have identified as underrepresented in medicine. The Department’s annual revenue is $230 million. The residency program is ranked 5th in the country by US News World and Report, with 42% of Interns identified as underrepresented in medicine. The Department received 5 NIH Diversity Supplements in 2022 and is currently ranked 14th amongst all Departments of Pediatrics by Blue Ridge Institute with $28 million in NIH funding.