The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General (Healey Center) is a busy and growing institute dedicated to implementing observational and interventional clinical trials primarily for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, with an integration of clinical care within the MGH multidisciplinary ALS Clinic. This fast-paced center has an impressive record of efficiently organizing, overseeing, coordinating, and conducting small and large multi-center, international clinical trials. The site research team consists of clinical research staff such as physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, and several research coordinators.
Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, the ALS Clinical Research Study and Access Nurse will work closely with both the Research Site team and the Patient Engagement team to conduct specific aspects of the protocols and policies for research studies within scope of the nursing license in Massachusetts. Nurse will help to disseminate information and educate ALS patients and families regarding both clinical and research information.
The ALS Research and Access Nurse is familiar with ALS, in addition to research, and is also able to help support the patients clinically.
The ideal candidate is flexible, independent, and willing to participate in multiple activities while providing support to patients by working with the team. Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to converse comfortably with patients and their caregivers.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- As Research Study Nurse:
o Collaborate closely with research coordinators, investigators (physicians and advanced practice providers), and nurses
o Identify and recruit eligible trial participants
o Collect, compile, and potentially tabulate and analyze data
o Coordinate related patient care activities in the inpatient and outpatient settings
o Using the nursing process, deliver professional nursing care and evaluate patients' responses to study protocols
o Provides consultation to primary physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and research coordinators regarding protocol implementation and may contribute to research publications.
o Presents study findings to interested groups both inside and outside of the hospital
o Coordinates and implements the research study according to the study protocol
o Provides data form development
o Performs required nursing procedures, including blood draws, IV infusions, and collection, preparation, and shipping of samples
o Collaborates with the principal investigator(s) on an ongoing basis regarding the process of the study and the continuation or termination of study subjects.
o Works with physicians, nurses, research coordinators, and patients in the selection of and participation by appropriate patients.
o Obtains all necessary approvals and informed consent forms; screens and enrolls patients into the studies.
o Assesses patient participation continuously in light of ethical considerations.
o Acts as liaison between patient and other members of the team regarding patient care activities relating to the research protocol.
o With assistance from research coordinators, responsible for IRB submissions for protocols. May require travel to the research study subject's home for study visits.
- As Research Access Nurse:
o Responsible for educating, facilitating, and disseminating information regarding current IRB-approved research trials.
§ This may be over the phone, in person, or via talks/lectures at a regional, national, and international clinical community level.
§ Explore innovative ways (including utilizing technology) to communicate, educate, and keep patients up to date with ALS research.
o Serves as a central contact point for research (including postmortem collection) patients.
o Maintains familiarity with the activities and interests of the Healey Center, both in research and clinical activities.
o Promotes direct and timely access to clinical research inquiries.
o Serve as ambassador for research programs and services to practices
o Provide support and assistance with challenging patient/research situations
o Actively participate in network development initiatives and communicate initiatives back to the access team for relationship building within MGH affiliate networks.
o Identify, apply, and monitor service standards of access and communication.
o Participate as requested in MGH and MGB initiatives.
o Participate in various hospital and system committees as assigned.
o Meets routinely with Healey Center Research and Clinical leadership to review progress and overall performance of the program.
o Work alongside the Research Nurses and Clinical Nurses to integrate research opportunities into the care plan for all people with ALS who express interest
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Professional knowledge: Clinical, healthcare knowledge to enable effective interactions and communications with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators.
- Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and complete tasks; Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures.
- Highly motivated, independent, innovative, and capable of performing in a complex environment
- Strong sense of initiative and perseverance to carry through to completion of tasks; Demonstrates forthrightness and integrity.
- Ability to identify issues/projects and initiate plans to address asking for direction when appropriate
- Ability to develop a common vision for diverse communities, communicate effectively, and take ownership and responsibility for activities.
- Interpersonal/communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication, and public speaking skills; Good command of the English language, including medical and scientific terminology.
- Information Systems/Technology Skills: Exceptional computer skills (including operating systems, databases, electronic mail, Internet, spreadsheets, and other office management systems); Ability to maintain databases and associated analysis and reporting.
- Quality Assurance: Skills to work efficiently and effectively and strive to do so in all aspects of the position.
- Critical Thinking/Decision Making: Ability to appropriately evaluate all aspects of a situation and to independently make appropriate and timely decisions.
- Personnel Management: Ability to coordinate among diverse populations.
- Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters discreetly and to ensure confidentiality guidelines are maintained by staff.
- Safety/Compliance: Knowledge in aspects of safety applicable to the position; Knowledge of and compliance with institutional, JCAHO, HIPAA, and other regulatory bodies' standards.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:
- Licensure as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) current
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Normal office conditions
- Ambulatory neurology clinic (Wang 8)
- Requires travel wherever needed to represent MGH ALS Clinic. Must have own automobile for local travel.
- Require attendance at meetings outside of regularly scheduled hours.