Research Education Specialist, RN

Research Education Specialist

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

The Research Education Specialist is an experienced educator with advanced knowledge and training in a health care specialty. This role is responsible for activities related to assessment, coordination, planning, implementation, and evaluation of education and training programs for all clinical research staff that are compliant with GCP, FDA regulations, sponsor requirements, and organizational policies. The Research Education Specialist participates in development/mentoring of research staff, delivering evidenced-based practice and is instrumental in creating a professional climate. The Research Education Specialist will teach a wide variety of subjects, spanning from general practice, focused areas of specialization, and research education. This role will participate in the education processes including development of policies, procedures, patient and research team member education materials to facilitate quality patient care and research conduct.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement, under supervision, a current and comprehensive organizational clinical research education plan for team members and providers that supports ICH GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, sponsor requirements, internal quality reviews and organizational policies.
• Teach and/or organize classroom and other clinical education programs/pathways.
• Grade coursework and evaluate clinical skills performance.
• Coordinate & participate in new hire and annual competency education/evaluations/validations.
• Maintain competency in and function as an expert resource for required technical skills and theoretical/didactic knowledge.
• Facilitate role development, selection and ongoing education and training of clinical preceptors.
• Act as a mentor, resource and or preceptor for new hires to promote a culture of excellence and safety.
• Act as a positive role model to others by demonstrating behaviors that support Tennessee Oncology's philosophy, mission, and values.
• Collaborate with the providers, staff, and clinic/operations leadership to develop specific education/ training plans and materials.
• Create and provide training/in-services as needed for new or revised equipment, protocols, procedures, policies, healthcare content, regulatory requirements, etc.
• Act as a resource and liaison with other departments to improve education processes.
• Collaborate with supervisors to monitor clinical outcomes to identify early trends/patterns and complete necessary training for the improvement of facility performance deficits.
• Maintain specialty expertise through professional and educational association membership, meetings, and workshops.
• Participate in or lead, as appropriate, assigned teams or committees.
• Represent Tennessee Oncology at professional conferences.
• Stay up to date with education and training trends for specialty areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to plan, coordinate, evaluate and direct simple and complex training activities.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to effectively multi-task.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to provide developmental and positive feedback in a timely fashion.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive and professional environment conducive to learning.
• Ability to utilize constructive problem-solving techniques to promote change and address challenges.
• Follow established channels for addressing issues, concerns, and problems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills required.

Education & Experience:

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing OR Associate Degree in Nursing with 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Active Registered Nurse license required.
• 2 years of research experience required.
• Recent experience with staff health care education required.
• ACRP-CP, CCRP, or equivalent research certification required within 6 months of hire.
• Active Basic Life Support certification required.
• Oncology Nursing Certification preferred.
• Chemotherapy Certification is required within 3 months of meeting certification requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing and able to travel to satellite clinics.