New Grad recently offered a CRC position???????????

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Specializes in Clinical Research.

Hello :D

I'm a Dec '09 grad who unfortunately, like so many others, has yet to secure an inpatient, acute-care nursing position. Through networking and what I call, sheer luck, I've been offered a position as a CRC. I would be joining a team of CRCs, one of whom is also an RN. I've had multiple interviews, toured the facility and met most of the staff. I'm honestly way more excited about this position than I initially thought I would be. I've been researching like CRAZY about what the job would entail and all the regulations and information I would have to learn. It's a bit overwhelming, kind of like learning a new language, but very exciting at the same time. I realize that by accepting such a position straight out of nursing school may make it extremely difficult to ever enter the hospital setting at a later date; however, I feel this is such a rare opportunity that I couldn't not accept.

I've spent the entire weekend researching the position from the internet, this forum, the ACRP, etc. And found several books on Amazon.com that provide the basic fundamentals of clinical research (explaining the different phases, FDA regulations, IRB, etc.)

I'm curious though, which is what led me to this post, is how difficult it will be to transition from a new grad to CRC with no research experience???

I just want to be sure I'm not getting into something that's way over my head?! :confused: I realize this position is COMPLETELY different than any hospital new grad position and fully understand there will be less patient contact and copius amounts of detailed paperwork. Which I am okay with...

Any thoughts or advice from current CRC's would be much appreciated!!!!

Thanks in advance!

Camren ;)

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Hello :D

I'm a Dec '09 grad who unfortunately, like so many others, has yet to secure an inpatient, acute-care nursing position. Through networking and what I call, sheer luck, I've been offered a position as a CRC. I would be joining a team of CRCs, one of whom is also an RN. I've had multiple interviews, toured the facility and met most of the staff. I'm honestly way more excited about this position than I initially thought I would be. I've been researching like CRAZY about what the job would entail and all the regulations and information I would have to learn. It's a bit overwhelming, kind of like learning a new language, but very exciting at the same time. I realize that by accepting such a position straight out of nursing school may make it extremely difficult to ever enter the hospital setting at a later date; however, I feel this is such a rare opportunity that I couldn't not accept.

I've spent the entire weekend researching the position from the internet, this forum, the ACRP, etc. And found several books on Amazon.com that provide the basic fundamentals of clinical research (explaining the different phases, FDA regulations, IRB, etc.)

I'm curious though, which is what led me to this post, is how difficult it will be to transition from a new grad to CRC with no research experience???

I just want to be sure I'm not getting into something that's way over my head?! :confused: I realize this position is COMPLETELY different than any hospital new grad position and fully understand there will be less patient contact and copius amounts of detailed paperwork. Which I am okay with...

Any thoughts or advice from current CRC's would be much appreciated!!!!

Thanks in advance!

Camren ;)

Hi Camren,

Congrats on becoming a new grad!

As someone who is working in research now (and has been a part of the research field since 2004) I can tell you that it is a job that can lead to great things for you with your clinical background; especially if you want to make a good salary and move up the ladder.

If you take this job (which it seems like you will) then I'd recommend you work for them for at least a year. Get a good solid jump in research. Then, if you want, put yourself on the market to get into a major CRO (clinical research organization) or pharmaceutical company; a place that can nuture you as a research professional and a place with a solid reputation.

My only concern is the same concern you have - - you may miss out on a chance to go straight into a hospital environment and get some sort of clinical experience FIRST while you're knowledge is fresh and I can't say how easy it will be for you to do that in the future, if you want to travel down that road. If I were you I would get the clinical experience first since research will always be an option waiting in the wings.

But, congrats on at least landing a job. I hear it's tough for new nurses nowadays (in certain parts of the country).

Good luck!

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I took a job as a research nurse after working on the floor for one year...and have no regrets at all! I don't really know that my one year of hell helps me out in this job, other than making me really really appreciate it! I too am learning lots...daily! Hope you accept it!

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Specializes in Clinical Research.

Well... I accepted the job!!! :D I honestly just couldn't stand to be unemployed any longer (not to mention my student loans begin next month) and I truly don't believe a hospital position is going to open up any time soon... it's just TOO saturated.

On a positive note, the research position has such great potential, I would be a fool to pass it up. Perhaps my career was meant for a different direction other than bedside nursing?! Although, I never thought I would have a job with a desk or a cubicle... that might take a little getting used to...

Either way, I'm ecstatic to begin a new adventure! :yeah:

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Hey cam, I was just wondering how your CRC job has been going for you so far?

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