Registered Nurse

The Clinical Research Services (CRS) of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) integrates multiple clinical sites across San Francisco and Oakland that provide services to clinical research investigators. The CRS offers Nursing Services, Sample Processing Laboratories, and Body Composition and Exercise Laboratories, and is the largest NIH‑funded program in the CTSI.

• Assess patient care needs and gather information necessary to formulate a care plan.
• Review protocols and nursing guidelines before implementation to identify potential ethical, safety, or implementation issues and recommend changes to appropriate staff.
• Analyze and interpret signs and symptoms of adverse reactions, diagnostic tests, and information from physicians and other healthcare team members.
• Assess current and potential patient problems or concerns that include physical, behavioral, and psychosocial aspects that may affect participation in a research study.
• Identify new patient problems or concerns on an ongoing basis and exercise judgment in planning nursing care in accordance with UCSF/CRC policies and procedures and in compliance with the research protocol.
• Implement a plan of care to facilitate the research study based on the individual protocol requirements.
• Perform research procedures skillfully and adhere to protocol instructions.
• Administer chemotherapy and implement new methods of symptom treatment while monitoring patient progress.
• Explain, teach, and reinforce patients’ and families’ knowledge of the study.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the care plan in meeting the evolving health needs of the patient, and demonstrate effective problem‑solving skills.
• Communicate pertinent information positively and effectively.
• Coordinate clinical activities to ensure proper patient care.
• Acquire required supplies for research data collection, specimen collection, and assist in sample processing.
• Collaborate with clinical investigators, protocol staff, and CRC staff to ensure smooth implementation of protocol requirements.
• Perform BLS and other life‑support requirements designated by the work area.
• Provide in‑service education and research orientation to bedside nursing.
• Document all procedures in the patient’s medical record and complete annual competency testing.
• Obtain specimens and perform simple laboratory processing procedures in accordance with policies and procedures related to specimen handling and processing.
• Comply with all Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures for infection control, safety, administrative, and clinical practice, and with the activities mandated by the Joint Commission/Title 22.

• Create a professional and positive first impression for patients and referring physicians, demonstrating good judgment and common sense.
• Greet patients with a smile, make eye contact, and acknowledge each person individually during check‑in.
• Address patients as Mr., Mrs., or Ms., unless they prefer a first name.
• Remain focused on recognizing patients in need across all CRS areas, offering assistance and a friendly word as appropriate.
• Interact personably and sensitively with patients, physicians, and staff.
• Actively listen to patient concerns and use service recovery amenities as appropriate; assist patients with issues and complaints using conflict‑management skills.
• Identify and communicate problems to the appropriate supervisor.
• Share pertinent information and observations with other health‑team members.
• Notify the charge nurse of patient delays and service issues, and act as an advocate to facilitate punctuality in patient visits.
• Communicate delays with the front‑office team directly with patients when needed.

• Maintain accuracy of specimen collection into proper media, including the specific test‑required preservative(s) and containers.
• Instruct participants on specific specimen‑collection procedures to acquire saliva and urine.
• Provide backup processing support for specimens collected after hours.
• Initiate processing, including specimen centrifugation and aliquoting for associate labs, according to laboratory policies/procedures and research protocols.
• Ensure timely processing, temperature…