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The specialty practice of clinical research nursing focuses on the nursing care provided to research participants, as well as activities that support protocol implementation. The clinical research nurse has in-depth knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), federal regulations that guide research, the details of study protocols that they are supporting, along with clinical knowledge and judgment. This combined training gives research nurses unique abilities and insight related to clinical trial implementation and subject protection, particularly for trials involving medically-complex populations. The model within which research nurses render care at Boston Children's Hospital is the Synergy Model, which matches individual nurse competencies with patient needs.

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Education resources

NIH role delineation project A role delineation project was completed at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NIH CC) in 2007. The project defined the scope of the clinical research nursing specialty practice as including the practice of two nursing roles: clinical research nurses and research nurse coordinators. The project described research nursing as having five dimensions: clinical practice, human subjects’ protection, contributing to the science, care coordination and continuity, and study management. Distinct categories of activities were identified in each of the dimensions. Read “Building the Foundation for Clinical Research Nursing: Domain Of Practice For The Specialty Of Clinical Research Nursing” to learn more about this project that helped define the practice of research nursing.
Clinical research competencies for research nurses

Job competencies are the essential knowledge, skills and behaviors that are required to succeed in a particular job or role. Nine broad competencies have been defined for new Boston Children’s clinical research professionals and research nurses. The competencies, along with the supporting learning activities for each competency, can be viewed by accessing the “Interventional Trials Training Manual" and the "Note to Supervisors,” explaining how to use the manual.

Completing the clinical research self-learning modules in NetLearning, along with attending in-person “Basic Boot Camp,” “Advanced Boot Camp” and “Coordinator Rounds” will support achieving basic clinical research competencies:

  1. Self-learning modules (online) with post-tests validate and document competencies: Access NetLearning and type in the search box “interventional trials.” 
  2. In-person “Basic Boot Camp”: The focus is on hands-on learning for new clinical research professionals. "Basic Boot Camp" is offered multiple times throughout the year.
  3. In-person “Coordinator Rounds” are offered monthly on topics relevant to interventional clinical trials. Sessions are recorded and the videos can be accessed at the learner’s convenience.
  4. In-person “Advanced Boot Camp”: This interactive approach to learning is offered multiple times per year on various topics relevant to interventional trials.

Access the dates and times of “Basic Boot Camp,” “Advanced Boot Camp and "Coordinator Rounds.”
Clinical research education opportunities  Find a list of upcoming clinical research education opportunities (on the left-hand side).
Virtual Mentor Email the Virtual Mentor for real-time answers to clinical research questions. Questions are answered in one day or less. 
Professional organizations

The International Association of Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN) is a professional nursing organization dedicated to supporting educational and professional needs of clinical research nurses (CRNs).

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), a professional membership organization, was developed to provide educational programs, certification and a forum for research professionals to exchange information. Find a list of meetings organized by the Boston chapter. Contact Erica Denhoff, MPH, CCRP, the chair of the Boston chapter, for additional information.

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals is an organization for research professionals in the pharmaceutical, industry, biotechnology, medical-device, hospital, academic-medical-center and physician-office settings.
Research nursing specialty practice group meetings
 Research nurses from across Boston Children’s meet quarterly to discuss professional practice issues and participate in research nursing continuing-education activities. All Boston Children's research nurses are welcome to join the group. As a research nurse, we would love to have you join the group. Please email Brenda Barton to be added to the research nurse distribution list and receive updates about the Boston Children’s research nurse meetings.
Are you a new research nurse who would like to have a mentor? Clinical research nursing is a recognized nursing specialty that requires skills and knowledge specific to research, in addition to clinical expertise. New clinical research nurses have the advantage of being mentored by an experienced research nurse, who serves as a resource, guide and coach. Please contact Cindy Williams, DNP RN, PNP, NE-BC, to have a mentor assigned.

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