The research nurse role in a clinic-based oncology research setting

Public demand and government support for evaluating new cancer drugs and methods in a more timely manner have significantly affected clinical research programs. To meet these demands, it is critical to have research personnel with an appropriate skill mix to ensure that clinical trials are conducted safely and effectively, while scientific integrity is maintained. This article describes the development and integration of the research nurse role within an oncology research program in a large outpatient oncology clinic. Methods for evaluating the research nurse role included literature review, analysis of job descriptions, and dialogue with research staff, oncology staff, and a clinical nurse specialist. A Review of the Nurse Practice Act of Wisconsin and the Oncology Nursing Society standards provided license and practice standards. Similarities and differences between the roles of the research nurse and the chemotherapy nurse are analyzed. Complementary roles and functions are identified, and areas of role overlap are defined. This report expands the limited current literature regarding this subject. The findings provide the reader with a framework for evaluating the roles of registered nurse personnel in a clinical setting. Although each institution has unique characteristics or research needs, the method used to address the reported program is transferable.