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Discussion

Tips for securing this opportunity

Hey guys! Man, the last time I posted on this website was before nursing school. What a journey!

I am looking for some insight from anyone with experience in the clinical research field. A bit of background, before becoming a nurse I achieved a Master's in Neuroscience and doctoral candidacy in Cell & Molecular Biology. My research background is entirely laboratory based, although my PhD work was collaborative with a pediatric hospital on the same site as our research facility (we studied neural tube defects). I am familiar with following protocols, dealing with IRB proposals and approvals, and I am published. I have been a nurse for three years now, the first half spent in the ER, and the last year and a half spent working in the PICU.

Here's my issue. I LOVE research, and our pediatric hospital was recently approved as a COG research site. This means we are now opening a Clinical Research Associate position to manage patient's that will be enrolled in these clinical trials. When our director mentioned the opening I let her know of my interest in the position. She recommended that I apply, but mentioned that they were really looking for someone with clinical research experience. The posting stated 2 years of experience required, with clinical research certifications preferred. I have an interview next week, which I know is entirely due to my director's kindness and willingness to give me a chance to at least state my case.

Aside from my background in laboratory research, I have quite a bit of experience teaching as well (high school classes, tutoring, and undergraduate courses), which I understand can be a large part of the job. I am certain that both of these factors help my chances, as well as the fact that I have an established relationship with both the pediatrics and PICU units that I would be working directly with. In addition, I know the pediatric heme/onc physician who will be acting as the PI on site, so I think this may help as well.

Basically, I would love some insight or tips on what may help me put my best self forward during this interview. How can I show my director that I would be a great fit for this position, even without my direct clinical research experience? Is what I mentioned sufficient? I am so excited about this opportunity that I don't want to drop the ball.

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    • Featured Replies

    Hi Quendi - I came into clinical research nursing with a lab background that included clinical research, followed by nursing experience.

    I emphasized exactly what you did - I already knew how a protocol worked, was familiar with the IRB, etc. You could look into a clinical coordinator course, as well, either online or in person and mention that you plan to do that (maybe they'll pay for you to do it?). It can be very helpful if you don't have an experienced research nurse to train you.

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    • Author

    Thanks so much for the input! I had no idea courses like that existed. Do you have (or know anyone that has had) any experience with these courses? Looks like there are several programs offered but I always appreciate referrals from people with firsthand experience.

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    The CITI program (CITIprogram.org) looks good - the CRC Foundations & Advanced courses together are $300.

    One of my co-workers did this program: Online Training for Clinical Research Coordinator l June 218 Batch and was very happy with it.

    SOCRA & ACRP are the two main certification bodies, and they both offer educational programs. ACRP members can also access the forum, which can be helpful if you have questions about how other sites are handling things. You'll have a steep learning curve, because even with a research background, there are a lot of things you'll have to figure out as you go.

    For books, my favorites are:

    "Clinical Research Manual: Practical Tools and Templates for Managing Clinical Research"

    "The CRC's Guide to Coordinating Clinical Research"

    Good luck with the interview, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

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    • Author

    Thank you so much! I'm definitely going to look into these. My interview was pushed back due to the holiday week (I forget that most people aren't required to work holidays).

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    • Experts

    The CITI program, or at least parts of it, is required by many research centers.

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    • Author

    Good to know! I'll definitely have to commit to that then. Thanks!

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