Research Coordinator Interview

Lacie, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

Same here I have an interview on Monday and not sure as to what to ask in order to see any red flags. I dont want to be in the same situation I just left.

southlandrn · Nov 23, 2009

Hi!

I am curious about your interview...what kind of questions did they ask? Did you get the job, or even want it post-interview? I too am considering leaving the floor for something a bit less stressful! Thanks!

ellakate · Nov 23, 2009

Ask about the Institutional Review Board. If you become a research nurse, it will be a part of your life.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2009

Hi!
I am curious about your interview...what kind of questions did they ask? Did you get the job, or even want it post-interview? I too am considering leaving the floor for something a bit less stressful! Thanks!

I declined the second interview requirement as it was with the CEO's "husband" who is not affiliated with the Company in anyway. I couldnt understand an interviewer who isnt confident in her own decision of who to hire and leaves the final decision to her husband who she tells me is a "salesman" in a non related non medical business!! Think it was a big red flag to me lol. Ironically Covance rep called me due to an opening that has come up the same week and I interviewed with them way back in June but didnt have my ACLS then (let it lapse long time ago). Didnt think I'd hear from them again but surprise so maybe someone was looking out for me up there so to speak as its 5 months down the road. I had previously done the phone then the face to face interview. They said I didnt have to interview again just come in for a quick discussion and go from there. So hopefully that will pan out. They used "behaviorial" questions of which I tried to prepare for. I used http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_behavioral.html to help me and the questions asked were pretty much on target. Lot tougher than asking "tell me about yourself" or "where do you want to be in 5 years" lol.

bloomscoot · Feb 5, 2010

i had an interview for a clinical research coordinator yesterday. they gave me a small test with some abbreviations, a billing question and simple questions like how would you answer the phone if you worked here. they also wanted me to provide a paragraph of why i would want to work here. i did not feel that the interview went very well at first, but they called me back to come for a second interview! does anyone know how much training you get with these positions? i am an lpn and only have experience in rehab nursing. i am a little nervous if i do get hired as i dont know if im gonna get thrown under the bus..

ellakate · Feb 5, 2010

Each study has a coordinator who is from the study sponsor, like XYZ Pharma. These are research professionals who can help you. Since you are new, I believe that they would be happy to help you learn the paper flow.

To answer your question, orientation will vary per facility. This is a very good question to ask at the second interview.

Let us know how it goes.

outcomesfirst, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2010

A 'Research Coordinator' may mean many things. Read the job description carefully and research those you will be working for. A physician? A Site Managment Organization (SMO)? A Hospital? Acadamia? Look at each institution - how long have they been in business? Doing research? What kind of research - medical/pharma/device/operations/outcomes/epidemiology? What is the primary and secondary goal of the institution/individual? (Financial/Outcomes/Knowledge/Publication)? Do they have any warning letters? (Search FDA Website). What kind of training is provided? Human Subject Protection? ICF Process? Regulatory Requirements? Do they offer support for certification? What is the environment - is it a clean, organized, well lit offices with access to needed equipment and supplies? Is it a mess - paper everywhere, phones ringing, people moving quickly? Is there a library? Computers? Internet? Copier/Fax? Pens? Will you have to drive to see subjects? How many other people will you work with?

Will you be completing all regulatory documents? Will you have suport staff? Will you assess/complete/propose Budgets? Will you be screening, enrolling, and managing subjects? (Think part sales/part medical knowledge/administrative/organizational skill set) How many studies will you work on at any given time? What is the therapeutic area? Acute Care? Field Based? Outpatient? Will you be completing case report forms? How is your time accounted for? And, if you are not a fan of documentation/writing and rewriting this may not be for you - Research is all about perfection in the details - again as it should be -.

Clinical Research/Study Coordinator/Research Assistant/Research Nurse all have many definitions. Be sure you know what is expected. There are may great internet sources and books - search clinical trials/ICH/FDA. Check them out.

A word about sponsors - yes, many are happy to help you learn - that said - the clinical trials of today have been evolving for about 20 years now, expectations are climbing (think vioxx/haldol) the environment is becoming increasingly competitive (for the better) and sponsors want to work with sites that provide high quality data and timely turn around - they do not want to spend precious, expensive hours monitoring/mentoring document completion - and they will not hesitate to let a physician/SMO know if something is not working. Also, study coordinators are being held accountable by IRBs and the FDA - if you are working with a professional license - standards must be met (again, please read warning letters issued by the FDA). All this said - this is a terrific evolving nursing specialty that has a very bright future!