Clinical Research
Clinical Research Positions
Clinical research at the Center involves more than 30 investigators contributing to the discovery of biochemical pathways that may influence tumor biology or represent potential new targets for cancer therapy and developing clinical trials that translate basic science information into novel diagnostic and treatment approaches. A safe and innovative clinical research endeavor requires many people with diverse expertise working in a team environment. If you enjoy working in this exciting translational environment, please consider a career in clinical research at the Moffitt Cancer Center.
Research Nursing
Catherine Wiernasz, Director-Clinical Research Support Systems
Jill McHale, RN, Manager-Clinical Research Unit
Our Research Nurses facilitate research by assisting with opening new protocols, providing new patient evaluations, registering eligible patients and coordinating protocol-related care of patients enrolled in clinical trials. Our Research Nurses have an in-depth knowledge of protocol requirements and good clinical practices as set forth by Federal Regulations. As the primary resource for protocols, the Research Nurse acts as liaison between the investigators, primary care providers, regulatory staff and the sponsor.
Research Nurses help to evaluate proposed protocols specifically for feasibility and implementation. They also assess patient populations, evaluate eligibility overlap for competing trials, monitor patient accrual to protocols, as well as participate in quality assurance activities associated with these studies. In collaboration with the investigator, the Research Nurse is responsible for ensuring that eligible patients are enrolled onto approved clinical trials. The Research Nurse follows study patients ensuring protocol compliance and close monitoring while the patients are on study. The Research Nurse works closely with the investigator and primary care nurse to ensure that protocol parameters are followed, and if necessary, modifications are made according to the protocol.
The Research Nurse is responsible for all required data collection, maintenance of source documentation, adverse event reporting and timely submission of all of the above.