Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Clinical Trial Nurse Liaison

Overview

The 5K Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Inpatient Unit at Huntsman Cancer Institute is a 24-bed inpatient unit that primarily cares for patients with hematologic malignancies i.e. leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, etc. who are undergoing stem cell transplantation, CAR-T Cell Therapy, or other types of immunotherapies, including clinical trials. We care for these patients as they go through various stages of their cancer journey, including active treatment, complications, symptom management, a curative approach, or end of life. This patient population is complex and tends to have high acuity. Therefore, RNs have a 3:1 patient ratio and are supported by HCAs with a 6-7:1 patient ratio. Our unit is fast-paced and provides lots of opportunities for critical thinking, learning and growth. Our RNs are skilled in IV chemotherapy/immunotherapy administration, central line care, stem cell transplantation, and CAR-T cell therapy. We typically have a longer length of stay, as our patients can stay inpatient for an average of 3-4 weeks. This uniquely allows our team to have the opportunity to build connections with our patients and their loved ones, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. We work closely with many interdisciplinary teams to ensure our patients are receiving well-rounded care from all viewpoints.

Our service lines are highly involved with the Clinical Trials Office (CTO) at HCI, and our staff have the chance to see research go from “bench to the bedside,” including Phase 1 trials. What a great opportunity to be involved with cutting—edge science that is changing cancer care today! We have a supportive and inclusive team with a culture of community, where teamwork is highly valued. We share a common goal of providing compassionate care to oncology patients and positively impacting their experience. In June 2023, our unit was relocated to the new Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at Huntsman Cancer Institute. This expansion has allowed our team to further specialize in the care of Bone Marrow Transplant patients in a beautiful new clinical space that includes a family kitchen, family laundry room, occupational therapy gym, and other amenities that enhance the patient and caregiver’s experience.

This position assists with the management of clinical trial patients under the care of the BMT/Cellular Therapy departments through coordinating staff development/education, process improvement activities, and performing other duties to facilitate nursing care. This position works under the direction of the Nurse Manager/department leadership and in collaboration with clinical trial department leadership.

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position is responsible for assisting with the management of the patient care department by coordinating staff development/education, quality improvement activities, scheduling staff hours, and performing other duties to facilitate nursing care for patients. Works under the direction of the Nurse Manager/department leadership and in conjunction with other members of the management team. This position is responsible for patient care. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the management of the department which involves input in performance evaluations, interviewing, hiring, counseling employees and administration of the budget.
• Supports and facilitates operational alignment with organization goals and strategies under the supervision of the Nurse Manager/department leadership.
• Responsible for the coordination of quality improvement initiatives.
• Coordinates staff education and development in coordination with the department manager and/or educator as appropriate. This may include conducting in-services, staff development programs and orientation.
• May be responsible for the scheduling of department staff.
• Investigates incident reports on patient care safety and counsels staff accordingly.
• May function as a preceptor.
• Serves as a resource to external contacts and hospital staff in coordinating the repair and replacement of instruments and equipment.
• Maintains inventory of specialized items and ensures items are available.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic patient care environment.
• Performs professional staff nursing functions.
• Performs professional staff nursing functions to maintain clinical expertise to support departmental operations. A minimum of 2 clinical staff nurse shifts per month is required but may be greater based upon the needs of the department.
• At the discretion of department operational and patient care needs, this position is required to work rotating schedules, which may include variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet the staffing and patient care demands of a 24/7 complex health system. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during assigned shifts is considered an essential function of the role.

• Demonstrated availability to work variable and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 patient care environment.

• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above.

• Ability to provide care to the population served.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

• Demonstrated teaching and leadership skills.

• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to function calmly and competently in high stress situations.

• Ability to balance clinical and management responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Two years general nursing experience.

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.

* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing
• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical trials and research processes
• One year of directly related experience in this area of specialty is preferred
• Some positions may require additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within one year of hire.

This position assists with the management of clinical trial patients under the care of the BMT & Cellular Therapy service lines through coordinating staff development/education, process improvement activities, and performing other duties to facilitate nursing care. This position works under the direction of the Nurse Manager/department leadership and in collaboration with clinical trial department leadership.

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intensive work that may exert up to 100 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects, such as medical equipment, or patients while providing medical care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners or behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements