What Does a Clinical Research Nurse Do?

Clinical Research Nurses (CRN) are specialised healthcare professionals who are integral to the development and implementation of clinical trials. Their responsibilities include participant recruitment, study coordination, data collection and analysis, study documentation, and ensuring regulatory compliance. CRNs play a crucial role in advancing medical research and developing new treatments and therapies by ensuring that clinical trials are conducted safely and effectively.

This article provides an overview of what a CRN does and the importance of this role in the field of Clinical Research.

What are the Main Responsibilities of a CRN?

Although the responsibilities of a CRN will vary from role to role, they typically include:

• Identifying potential study participants, explaining the study in detail and obtaining informed consent from participants
• Coordinating all aspects of the study, including scheduling visits and monitoring participant safety
• Collecting data from study participants, monitoring and recording any adverse events or side effects, ana analysing the data collected during the study
• Maintaining accurate and complete records of study activities and ensuring that the study is conducted in compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines
• Developing study protocols and procedures in collaboration with the research team
• Conducting physical exams and collecting medical histories from study participants
• Administering study interventions and medications to participants
• Communicating with study participants and their families to provide updates and answering questions about the study
• Attending conferences and continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest research and practices in the field

What are the Main Benefits of Working as a CRN?

CRNs play a critical role in the development of new treatments and therapies, and have the opportunity to contribute to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. This can make for a rewarding career for those passionate about patient care and research.

As a CRN, you’ll gain specialised knowledge and skills in research methodologies, regulatory compliance, and data analysis, helping to further your career and opening up new routes to take your career. Working as part of a wider research team, the role of a CRN is also highly collaborative, providing ample opportunity to learn about all aspects of Clinical Research and grow your professional network.

What Experience, Skills and Qualifications are Needed to Become a CRN?

The requirements needed to become a CRN will vary depending on numerous factors, but typically include:

• A degree in Nursing from an accredited institution
• Clinical experience as a registered nurse
• Knowledge of the research process and experience with Clinical Research protocols
• Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with study participants, physicians, and other healthcare professionals
• Be detail-oriented and have the ability to accurately document and maintain records of all aspects of the research study
• Strong critical thinking skills to analyse data, identify trends, and make informed decisions
• Familiarity with regulatory and ethical guidelines related to conducting research, such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines, and FDA regulations
• Willing to pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in Clinical Research
• Certifications such as the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) or Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) certification (not always required)

What is the Average Salary of a CRN?

According to the latest data from the UK’s National Careers Service, the average salary for a CRN in the UK is between £26,000 and £41,000 per year. However, salary will vary depending on several factors including years of experience, location, employer, and level of education/certification.

CRNs who hold advanced degrees and certifications, such as a master’s degree in nursing or the CCRP credential may earn higher salaries. Additionally, those working in high-cost areas such as London or in large academic medical centres may earn higher salaries than those working in smaller clinics or hospitals.

How is the Role of a CRN Evolving?

The role of a CRN is evolving in response to changing trends and needs in the healthcare industry, such as the increased emphasis on patient-centred care. CRNs are increasingly being recognised as key members of the healthcare team who play a vital role in providing patient-centred care. They work closely with patients to ensure that they understand the research study and their role in it, and they help to address any concerns or questions the patients may have.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in Clinical Research, meaning CRNs must be comfortable with technology and have a solid understanding of how to use it to collect and analyse data, including electronic health records (EHRs). Clinical Research is also becoming more complex and specialised, creating a growing demand for CRNs who have specialised knowledge in areas such as Genetics, Oncology, and Rare Diseases.

Finally, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that Clinical Research is conducted in a manner than is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. CRNs are increasingly involved in efforts to recruit diverse study participants and to ensure that research studies are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of all participants.

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*Article updated March 2024.