The clinical research family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an integral member of an interdisciplinary team in the Neuroendocrine unit (Department of Medicine), supporting clinical studies to evaluate appetite-regulating hormones in individuals across the weight spectrum in collaboration with the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program (Department of Psychiatry). The FNP will work on studies of children and adults with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), examining a new treatment modality for ARFID and the impact of restrictive eating on appetite-regulating hormones and brain regions. There may also be opportunities to work on other clinical research studies in our lab, including evaluating an investigational drug in children with autism spectrum disorder and in individuals with binge-eating disorder. Prior experience working with individuals with these conditions or strong interest in learning and being trained in this area are important aspects of this position. In this role, the FNP promotes collaborative relationships between investigators, study coordinators, research participants, the research pharmacy, and MGH Translational and Clinical Research Center staff in order to provide continuity of care for research study participants and to ensure efficient use of resources.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with principal investigators and clinicians to enhance quality and continuity of care of study participants.
- Manage and work closely with clinical research coordinators to coordinate the study visits and collect/organize the data and blood/tissue specimens.
- Help devise recruitment strategies and recruit participants for research studies.
- Screen research participants for study eligibility and attend study visits in accordance with the study protocols, including consenting, obtaining medical history, performing physical examination including phlebotomy, and completing case reporting forms for data collection.
- Assume responsibility for the management of participants during outpatient study visits including drug teaching, follow-up of lab and radiology testing, and communicating with participants' providers.
- Interpret studies ordered and provide participants with an explanation of results.
- Report adverse events, protocol violations, and amendments to the protocol, and other required periodic reporting to the Institutional Review Board and other regulatory agencies, as applicable.
- Participate in weekly team meetings and oversee clinical research coordinators to organize meeting agenda topics, document meeting summaries, and follow-up on action items.
- Supervise and mentor clinical research coordinators.
- Coordinate the distribution, accounting, and safe collection of all study drugs if needed.
- Available to work on-site during business hours and attend study visits at other MGH locations as needed.
- May work occasional early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends when needed.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS:
- Current licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Current board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner may be considered if certification encompasses a pediatric to adult age range.
EDUCATION:
- Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
OTHER SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Experience working with school age and adolescents preferred.
- Experience with working with individuals with eating disorders preferred, or strong interest in working with this population.
- Phlebotomy and IV skills preferred.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Flexibility in working on different studies depending on program needs.
- Willing to accept new graduates.