Over a year ago I interviewed for a Clinical Research Coordinator position in a local hospital. They were NOT looking for someone with experience; they were looking for someone bright that they could train (read cheap labor). A mutual acquaintaince who knows the Research Director recommended me because I used to be a Project Coordinator before I was a nurse and he thought I would be a perfect fit for the job.

Salary became an issue. They were offering about $40-$45K to start and I didn't want to make less than I was ($50K as an LPN). I'm becoming very burned out in LTC though. As much as I love the residents, I am stressed to the limit, and not just stress of the workload, but also the catty atmosphere, where nurses love stabbing each other in the back. When I worked as a PC, there was stress and deadlines, but not UNATTAINABLE work expectations, nor was there such an immature, hostile work environment.

This job keeps resurfacing in the classifieds and I've been thinking of reapplying for the job. But....I'm wondering WHY this job keeps reappearing in the classifieds. Can it be just the salary? It seems to me there would be plenty of nurses who would take a pay cut to get away from the stress of being a floor nurse. Or is this line of work just as stressful as floor nursing?

Thanks for your input!

My guess is the salary issue keeps the more qualified applicants from applying.

My guess is the salary issue keeps the more qualified applicants from applying.

Or that people keep quitting or getting fired.

I would ask them directly and see what they have to say. Ask them if the position has been filled by someone who didn't work out or who left for some reason. See what they have to say. Since they "know you" from your last application process, they might give you a clue.

If they have not filled the position because the right person has not come along ... and they really like you ... you will be in a good position to negotiate. While they might not be able to give you more money, they might be able to meet a few special requests you might have. The same might be true if they have filled the position with someone less qualified than you who did not work out.

By talking with them and expressing a lingering interest, you open the door for conversation and negotiation. By asking the question to them directly, you demonstrate that you aren't interested in "playing games." You want to be treated with respect and need to ascertain that the position is viable before you will committ to anything.

I've known positions to stay open for a long time (or be intermittently available) for a lot of reasons. Some of those reasons are better than others.

$5000 is not a big stretch for salary negotiation. I wonder if this is a grant study or drug trial that cannot get into gear for some reason?

Forgive me if this takes too much away from the topic, but how much would be reasonable for a clinical research coordinator in a hospital? Thanks.