Research Nurse Coordinator???

I can understand that you aren't interested in going back to school at this point in your life. I also agree that making $80,000 would be really nice. I am thinking of getting out of hospital nursing and have thought about pharmaceutical companies, but I don't want to be a sales rep or anything related to sales. What was your friend doing who was earning the big bucks? How do you plan to get your foot in the door?

Sarah

She is a contracted clinical research associate, or monitor. She doesn't even work directly "for" one of the pharmaceutical companies. Lately these CRA positions ask for a minimum of 2 years monitoring experience, so you cant just jump into it. I have been in research as a site coordinator for five years, and many probably wont give me the time of day. All I am doing for right now is submitting resumes to the companies who seem willing to hire people that have only one year of exp. I am considering taking a course in monitoring but holding off to see if I get an interview/job offer. It might just come down to how badly/how soon they need someone for someone to give me a chance. That's someone with clinical research EXPERIENCE, so I imagine it could be difficult for someone who has none.

Dear all,

First time posting. After 17 years in the hospital, I went on to clinical research where I have now been for 4.5 years as a CRA (Clinical Research Associate) I still work PT in the hospital to keep up my clinical skills.

Feel free to send me a private message (PM) if questions. Being a CRA does require travel....but, there are perks to traveling....all those frequent miles and free hotel stays and downfalls to traveling. This industry does like to hire nurses, but yes, sometimes it is a catch 22....they want you to have experience but how are you going to get experience if no one will hire you.

The websites to check out are acrpnet.org, centerwatch.org, socra.org