Triage Nurse / Clinical Research Nurse

Description:

OVERVIEW:

The Triage / Clinical Research Nurse plays a critical role in providing high-quality patient care. This position involves assessing, prioritizing, and managing patient needs through effective communication and clinical judgment. The nurse will collaborate with the leadership team, Surgeons, and APP’s to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care.

RESPONSIBILITES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with reasonable accommodation.

TRIAGE-

• Work through Athena EHR buckets/ calls to promptly answer patient questions or concerns.
• Prioritize patient care based on urgency and medical necessity; determine appropriate next steps in care, including scheduling appointments or referring to specialists.
• Provide patients with information regarding their conditions, treatment options, and post-care instructions, answer questions and address concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Work closely with surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other staff to coordinate care plans and ensure effective communication.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records, documenting assessments, triage decisions, and patient interactions in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Ensure appropriate follow-up for patients with chronic or complex conditions; schedule necessary follow-up appointments and tests.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations effectively, ensuring prompt escalation to the appropriate healthcare provider.
• Participate in quality assurance initiatives and contribute to improving clinic operations and patient care processes.
• Order and follow up on laboratory tests, ensuring results are reviewed and communicated to patients and providers promptly.
• Ensure patient records are updated with the latest information regarding assessments, treatments, and follow-up actions.

CLINICAL RESEARCH-

1. Patient/Participant Management

• Recruit and screen participants for eligibility based on study protocols.
• Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring understanding of risks and benefits.
• Monitor and assess participants for adverse events or side effects.
• Provide clinical care and follow-up, including administering study medications or procedures.
• Serve as a patient advocate, ensuring their rights, safety, and well-being.

2. Study Coordination

• Collaborate with principal investigators (PIs), sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Schedule and manage study visits, assessments, and procedures.
• Maintain detailed documentation of study activities, including case report forms (CRFs) and source documents.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection and entry.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Ethics

• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), FDA regulations, and institutional policies.
• Prepare and submit documents to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or ethics committees.
• Maintain regulatory binders, informed consent forms, and study-related documentation.
• Report adverse events and serious adverse events (SAEs) per protocol.

4. Protocol Implementation

• Interpret and implement study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and study-specific guidelines.
• Educate participants and staff about protocol requirements.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary teams (pharmacists, lab personnel, other nurses) to implement study-related tasks.

5. Education and Training

• Train and supervise new staff, research coordinators, or junior nurses.
• Educate patients and families about study participation.
• Participate in continuing education to stay current with research trends and regulations.

6. Quality Assurance

• Assist with monitoring visits, audits, and inspections.
• Identify and report protocol deviations and work on corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in research processes and patient care.

Requirements:

MINIMUM POSITION REQIREMENTS:

Education & experience: Minimum education requirement is an associate’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program. Current RN license in Arizona. Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in a gynecological or women’s health setting. Good Clinical Practice certificate within the last 2 years.

Special Skills/Equipment: Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus. Must have strong assessment and critical thinking skills. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are essential. Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems, preferably Athena. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Must provide proof of current driver’s license and auto insurance.

Expectations: Attendance and punctuality is necessary. Ability to work well with a multidisciplinary team. Ability to problem solve and be self-motivated. Must have a commitment to excellence and high standards. Must have excellent written and oral skills, strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills. Must have ability to multitask, manage priorities and workflow. Required to have versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm and have acute attention to detail. Able to operate computer software with training. Expected to have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions. Able to work independently with little or no supervision. Required to have the ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational level and with external customers. A business acumen with high attention to the human element.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: *The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to operate office requirement, including computer and copier equipment. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, with occasional walking. Ability to bend and lift up to 25 pounds. Hearing and vision required.