ABOUT NCH
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.
NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.
Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.
JOB SUMMARY
The Research Assistant works with RN Research and assists physician investigators in accurately and professionally executing all clinical programs assigned. This role participates in project initiation, maintaining patient continuance in clinical studies, assuring protocol (study plan) compliance, and reporting on patient’s medical status and progress. Data collection is performed accurately, completely, and efficiently. The Research Assistant may self-manage chosen trials, but also serve as a key member of the team in helping to execute required daily duties. This role will assist with phlebotomy and contribute to smooth patient flow during patient office visits.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned.
Collects all clinical data in an accurate and timely manner for all assigned research protocols.
· Performs data collection activities as required by protocol.
· Assists in the initiation and maintenance of accurate project execution.
· Updates information aids, standing orders, and study flow outlines with the assistance of the Research RN when amendments to the protocol are approved.
· Provides sponsors with expedited data to meet project assessments and safety reporting deadlines.
· Has knowledge of FDA requirements for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and uses it in achieving research tasks.
· Collects source documentation on all data points through medical records or creation of template visit forms for use during visits or procedures.
Participates directly in-patient care duties associated with research projects and performs laboratory tasks as needed.
· Maintains all job required skills.
· Maintains awareness of other clinical research projects to assist with overall daily workload.
· Accurately and effectively draw blood as required by the protocol.
· Processes blood samples in accordance with research protocols, fully labels them, and stores them properly per protocol instructions.
· Packages and prepares samples for shipping to designated central laboratories.
· Completes IATA (International Air Transport Association) certification for handling of dangerous goods.
Encourages patient enrollment and participation in research protocol projects.
· Works closely with the patient, family, and Research RN to assure good patient rapport and clinical care, re-enforcing patient continuance.
· Alerts Research RN if compliance or continuation issues arise and require assistance with resolution.
Participates in patient care activities to provide efficient care delivery
· Assists physicians and nurses in the evaluation of the patient.
· Prepares patients for office visits.
· Performs phlebotomy and EKG, documents vital signs and other tasks as needed.
· Serves as back-up for patients and other caregivers in assuring all research related clinical needs are met.
· Identifies and reports to RN any unrelated research observations that need attention.
· Assures patients are scheduled for and receive appropriate follow-up evaluations.
· Assures patients are well educated as to the importance of compliance with study objectives while seeking help as needed from the RN.
· Assists all research nurses in facilitating Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and compliance and clinical patient care.
· Attends all required training sessions and completes all required certification.
Performs other related duties as required or requested.
· Assume responsibility of trial, serving as a lead on appropriately delegated trials.
· Responsible for all aspects of delegated trials from start up, maintaining documents, patient enrollment, obtaining data, performing patient visits, participating in procedures, to trial close-out within protocol and GCP guidelines.
· Works autonomously as well as team collaboration Assist with required procedures and data collection activities as necessary in observational settings such as ED, Cath Lab, EP Lab, OR, ICU/Step down area, physician office and other required areas.
· Through observation and reporting, assures NCHRI’s needs are met, and action taken as required to deliver best outcomes to its patients.
· Offers support and cooperation as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Minimum of High School/GED.
· Minimum of 2 years of hospital based medical experience is required; 3 years preferred.
· Medical Assistant Certification or Licensed as LPN in the state of Florida preferred.
· Basic Life Support (BLS Provider) certification required from American Heart Association.
· Trained or willing to be trained in phlebotomy, sample preparation and shipping, and EKG acquisition.
· Communication and Problem-Solving skills and ability to maintain flexibility.
· Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.
