Clinical Research Nurse

TFI Department: Biomedical Research

Work Location: In-person

Schedule: Monday-Friday, first shift. This position may require a flexible working schedule with some evening and weekend hours.

This position sits within The Fenway Institute (TFI), the research, education, and policy department of Fenway Health. Reporting to the Associate Medical Director and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and other TFI Leadership, the Clinical Research Nurse (RN) supports the implementation of research studies in the Biomedical Research department.

Position Funding

This position is grant-funded and is dependent on the availability of continued grant support for the assigned study/studies. It is possible that the employee’s effort will be transitioned, in whole or in part, to other research studies as needed.

Representative Duties

Provides Clinical Care for Research Protocols

• Monitor study participants’ health before, during, and after research study visits.
• Assist study providers with adverse event monitoring and reporting
• Perform clinical procedures, in collaboration with study providers, that includes but is not limited to: obtaining vital signs, administering injections, performing symptom-directed physical exams, collecting detailed health histories, conducting sexual health risk-reduction counseling, performing electrocardiograms, and sample collection (i.e., venous blood; oral, anal, and genital cultures; and urine/stool/tissue specimens)
• Start and maintain peripheral intravenous lines
• Assist providers in assessing, interpreting, and communicating laboratory results to the participant
• Translate clinical information for non-clinical research staff (e.g., study coordinators and research associates)
• Maintain the emergency crash cart on the research floor

Assist the Non-Clinical Team with Participant Interaction and Data Collection

• Obtain informed consent: Explain study procedures and risks/benefits to participants.
• Conduct study visits: Carry out research visits according to specific instructions. Schedule study visits and maintain study calendar/visit spreadsheets. Confirm participant eligibility and assist with or perform tasks like administering surveys, collecting biological samples (e.g., blood, urine), taking vitals, and scheduling follow-ups. Accurately and comprehensively complete visit notes, data collection instruments, case report forms, etc.
• Monitor participant safety: Report non-compliance, adverse events, or unanticipated problems promptly to the research leads.

Data Management and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records: Ensure timely and accurate entry of data into study files, including paper files and electronic databases (e.g., REDCap, EDC systems), and keep organized and complete source document files, including signed consent forms, case report forms, and lab reports.
• Assist in data cleaning and audit preparation: Monitor the quality of collected data through routine and ad hoc quality assurance and quality improvement activities (e.g., record review, monitor visit preparation, completion of visit checklists) and respond to data queries.
• Use best research practices, as defined by Good Clinical Practice (GCP), TFI standard operating procedures, study specific procedures, and the research protocol and follow all established guidelines of confidentiality and ethical accountability.

Communication and Collaboration

• Liaise with internal and external teams: Communicate with investigators, sponsors, IRBs, and study monitors. Share study information to Fenway Health staff, patients, and community.
• Attend team and departmental meetings: Provide updates and help resolve logistical or compliance issues.
• Support training and onboarding: Help train research staff on vital signs, phlebotomy, and other clinical support tasks

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Coordinate Clinic-based Studies: Depending on interest, assist or lead the coordination of research protocols, especially those that require integration with the Fenway Health clinic team.
• Manage supplies and equipment: Track, maintain, and order study-specific materials.
• Develop and share understanding of research context: Monitor and track institutional, state level and federal level policies impacting participant population and research; develop knowledge of field by completing pertinent trainings, attending didactics, reading academic journals, articles and other relevant publications, attending conferences, seminars, forums, trainings and other presentations.

Meets Agency Participatory Expectations

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures
• Identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
• Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested
• Work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients and vendors across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, national origin and immigrant status, religious or spiritual identity, disability (physical, mental, emotional and developmental), veteran status, and/or limited English proficiency.

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field 
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. This includes engaging constructively with colleagues, patients, clients, and vendors in a manner that reflects professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics as defined by applicable law. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred 
• 1-2 years in a clinical setting 
• Current BLS certification
• Phlebotomy and IV placement experience 
• Excellent health history and physical assessment skills 
• Working knowledge of HIV and STI pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment 
• Experience and comfort working with gender, racial, and sexual diverse populations as well as with people who use substances, including people living with HIV 

Position Restrictions

Due to the nature of TFI research, anyone currently participating in a TFI intervention/interaction study cannot work within the research department, or for one year after the study has concluded. 

Physical Requirements:

• Requires being able to work a 7.5 hour day, the majority of it sitting (>70%)
• Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients’ standing and/or walking when necessary
• May work with blood or blood-borne pathogens
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment