Description
The Department of Surgery in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Clinical Research Nurse. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Clinical Research Nurse will report to and be accountable to the Orthopaedic Trauma Research Scientific Director, in the Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine. This position will receive direction from the Orthopaedic Trauma Research Scientific Director and Principal Investigators of each project. The Clinical Research Nurse will be a member of the Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research Team that is comprised of Trauma Division surgeons and researchers at the Foothills Medical Centre.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Project Development/Coordination/Management
- Reviews all new eligible fragility fracture patients
- Obtains informed consent for participation in the POWER Program from the patient or alternate decision maker
- Completes a detailed clinical assessment of fragility fracture patients (as described above) and develop personalized care plans for each patient
- Presents patient case files and care plans and participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and carry out any orders or requisitions as prescribed by the physicians
- Utilizes and develops FLS medical algorithms in consultation with physicians to flag, arrange, and/or make recommendations on the following
- Vitamin D and calcium supplementation and optimal nutrition as appropriate
- Medication therapy for osteoporosis management
- Appropriate investigations to rule out underlying secondary causes of osteoporosis
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing, as per the established care pathway
- Referrals to appropriate community programs/services, subspecialists
- Provides key information and education to patients and their families regarding osteoporosis investigations and treatment
- Engages with primary care providers in the community to provide updates and recommendations on fragility fracture patients
- Follows up with fragility fracture patients as per the program protocol, to ensure
- Medication compliance and concerns are addressed
- Vitamin D testing is completed
- BMD testing is completed when appropriate
- Collects data along the process flow map
- Organization and maintenance of all research patient records (hard copy and electronic) according to research policies and guidelines
- Outside of the POWER Program, the incumbent may be required to assist with recruitment of patients into clinical research projects, booking appointments, collecting patient data, taking clinical patient histories, patient education, and phlebotomy
- Scheduling appointments for current research patients within study protocol guidelines
- Adjust work to meet evolving priorities based on study-specific deadlines to ensure all information is produced in a professional and accurate manner
- Using critical thinking and nursing knowledge when collecting and interpreting data, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care
- Support the team and hospital staff, physicians, and patients to implement and follow the research program initiatives
- Organize educational events such as rounds, in-services, lunch-and-learns, etc. as required
Leadership
- Independently develop project timelines and documents, and monitor and manage project deadlines and outcomes
- Utilize modified Fracture Liaison Service medical algorithms and case conference consultations with physicians to flag, arrange and/or make recommendations on Vitamin D and calcium supplementation and optimal nutrition, medication therapy for osteoporosis management, appropriate investigations to rule out underlying secondary causes of osteoporosis, including Bone Mineral Density testing and referrals, as required
- Liaise professionally with internal university stakeholders, external stakeholders, and agencies
- Participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences to review fragility fracture patients and integrate with orthopaedic and/or endocrinology services
- Act as resource for research coordinators and provide supervision in day-to-day activities, as required
Knowledge Translation
- Sharing nursing knowledge with patients, colleagues, students and communicates patient status to other members of the health care team, as appropriate
- Provide key messaging to patients and families regarding osteoporosis investigations and treatment
- Engage with primary care and subspecialty care providers in the community to provide updates study participants
- Organize educational events such as rounds, in-services, lunch-and-learn opportunities, as required
Professional Development
- Maintaining registration requirements and standards of nursing practice and professional conduct as set out by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA)
- Making own nursing decisions and actions, but seeks guidance and direction when required
- Basing nursing practice on current evidence from nursing science, other sciences and the humanities
- Knowing how and where to access information to support and provide safe, competent and ethical nursing practice and care for patients
- Responsible for personal and professional development by adding to skills and knowledge through courses that may be available through the University of Calgary, Continuing Education, and applicable online resources
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Registered Nurse (RN) certification minimum, BN or BScN required
- A minimum of 5-year nursing working experience with clinical research involvement required
- Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification is an asset
- Certification in BCLS required
- Demonstrated technical dexterity, knowledge and skill working with computer technology required
- Demonstrated ability to function independently and within a team environment required
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills required
- Demonstrated strong organizational and interpersonal skills required
- Phlebotomy/venipuncture skills/certification required
- Knowledge of musculoskeletal and/or medical terminology will be an asset
- Patient education skills and experience will be an asset
- Knowledge of and experience with osteoporosis research and the Fracture Liaison Service will be an asset
- Highly developed organizational skills with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong written and verbal communication skills are a necessity
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills are required to clearly and professionally communicate with patients, physicians, multidisciplinary care teams, and members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Research Team
- Ability to multi-task and organize a high volume of patient and research information
- Experience with electronic medical records; Accuro, Impax, and/or Connect Care in clinical positions will be beneficial
- Intermediate to expert computer and internet skills including the Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of the University's Peoplesoft system is an asset
- Extensive knowledge of theory and practical application of research policies and procedures
- Laboratory training and certifications required for the conduct of clinical research involving human subjects is an asset
Application Deadline: April 14, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
