Clarifying rules and job duties

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am highly interested in switching over from nursing education to research. Lately several positions have come up at my job and I wanted to get more info on what the differences are. The job titles are Clinical Research Assistant and Clinical Researcher Coordinator? Ia there a difference and are these roles usually nurses? The descriptions were the same and neither said an RN.

Any info would be helpful

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Research assistant is entry level. CRC's run the study and may or may not be a nurse. I am a CRC and also a nurse.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Can you be a CRC without being an assistant first?

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Specializes in Oncology, Clinical research.
Can you be a CRC without being an assistant first?

Depends on your facility. At ours, you do not need to be an assistant first, though many people work up to CRC. Assistants have no special qualifications. They help with studies, data entry, and with regulatory paperwork, but the CRC/research nurse is in charge (think nurse vs CNA). Pay is pretty low. However, at a nearby facility, their "assistants" do the same job we do as coordinators.

CRCs/research nurses run the studies and do essentially the same job. At our facility, CRCs require a degree of some kind, a nursing license, or a couple years of research experience. To be classed as a Research Nurse (same job but higher pay), you need a BSN and 2 years of nursing or research experience.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

That is helpful. Thank you so much.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Hi microkate,

Would you mind disclosing the pay of CRCs/research nurses in your area? I'm just trying to get a better picture of salary for this field. thanks

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