Nurse, Research Study

General Summary/Overview

We are seeking a full-time research nurse to support the performance of a clinical trial to examine the impact of a behavioral intervention to promote physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease. This intervention draws upon concepts from positive psychology and motivational interviewing to promote well-being and physical activity in individuals who have experienced an acute coronary syndrome (i.e., heart attack or related condition).

In this position, the research nurse will perform several specific tasks. First, they will deliver the experimental (positive psychology and motivational interviewing) intervention to participants over the course of the program. Second, they will help to recruit potential participants for the project, including approaching potential participants in the hospital, describing the study, and screening for eligibility. Finally, the research nurse will interact with other members of the team to ensure the intervention is being delivered faithfully and that data capture is occurring correctly.

The research nurse will be trained by our multidisciplinary Cardiac Psychiatry Research Program team and would work closely with the research program’s head physicians and psychologists. Recruitment would occur at Massachusetts General Hospital, and office space would be available for use for other study procedures. This position is ideal for someone who is interested direct patient contact, clinical research, and a team-based approach to conducting clinical trials and delivering behavioral interventions. Our program seeks to provide personalized mentoring and training and to foster participation in presentations and publications.

This position is performed on the medical Main Campus of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.

Additional information about our program, studies, and team can be found at http://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/research/researchlab.aspx?id=1570

If you are interested in applying, please include an up-to-date résumé or curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing why you feel that you are a good fit for the position.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Relevant activities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Screening for study eligibility using structured questionnaires and interviews
• Recruiting participants hospitalized following an acute cardiac event (e.g., myocardial infarction, heart failure exacerbation)
• Delivering study interventions to participants in person and by phone. These interactions may include discussing positive psychology activities (e.g., performing an enjoyable or meaningful activity, using a strength in a new way), reviewing past physical activity goals, problem-solving barriers to physical activity, and setting new physical activity goals.
• Monitoring participant progress over the course of the study.
• Attending meetings to review intervention sessions with a supervisor and ensure that the intervention is being delivered according to the protocol.
• Attending study team meetings to discuss ongoing study-related issues. This includes providing feedback about the study protocol and collaborating on any necessary protocol changes if needed.
• Assisting with the development of intervention and recruitment materials (e.g., treatment manuals, recruitment letters, flyers).
• Assisting with the preparation and submission of abstracts, poster presentations, and manuscripts.
• Participating in Regulatory Meetings with physicians and other clinic staff as appropriate, participates in local quality assurance program and develops appropriate action plans for quality improvement.

Skills and Competencies

Required:

• Excellent communication skills
• Careful attention to details
• Good organizational skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work well with a wide range of interpersonal styles

 Preferred:

• Experience with clinical research projects
• Experience in hospital settings  
• Clinical experience with patients with psychiatric and/or cardiovascular disease, ideally those with acute conditions and combinations of psychiatric and medical conditions
• Experience delivering psychological and/or health behavior interventions (e.g., using motivational interviewing)

Licenses, Certifications, and/or Registrations

• Licenses required: Registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Minimum education required: Bachelor's Degree

Experience

• Clinical experience with patients with cardiovacular and/or other medical illnesses for at least three years is strongly preferred but not required.
• Research experience is strongly preferred but not required.

Working Conditions

The work will be performed primarily in an office setting. Recruitment will occur on inpatient hospital units.