Bilingual Clinical Research Vocational Nurse II

Job Summary

The Clinical Research Vocational Nurse supports the implementation of clinical and field-based research activities within the Texas A&M AgriLife IHA at our Dallas Clinic and on our Mobile Health Assessment Centers (MHACs). The LVN plays a critical role in participant engagement, specimen and data collection, biosafety compliance, and coordination of study procedures by utilizing nursing knowledge and clinical judgement. This occurs under the direction of the MHAC Clinical Manager and the Clinical Program Director. This role requires frequent verbal and written interaction with individuals whose primary language may be English or Spanish. Therefore, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is a requirement for the position.

Responsibilities

Research Data Collection

• Serves as the lead vocational nurse and performs research data collection on a daily basis.
• Performs and documents vital signs, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference), and body composition assessments (e.g., Bod Pod, Pea Pod, InBody 770) according to study protocols (training to be provided on more specialized pieces of equipment).
• Conducts nursing assessments within LVN scope of practice and reports findings to supervising clinical personnel or investigators.
• Observes participants during study procedures and monitors for changes in condition.
• Performs and assists with biological specimen collection and processing, including blood (both phlebotomy and fingerstick samples), urine, saliva, stool, breastmilk, and hair/nail samples, following BSL-2 safety standards.
• Prepares and labels biological specimens, maintain chain-of-custody documentation, and ensure accurate sample storage and transport.
• Administers study questionnaires and assists participants in completing digital health assessments.
• Documents all pertinent findings and communicates with the study team, as appropriate.
• Updates participant data information and results in electronic software records.
• Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for each clinical procedure.
• Maintains research participant privacy and confidentiality.

Clinical Duties

• Determines equipment, and supply needs, as applicable, for facilitation of clinical research protocols.
• Oversees and ensures the cleanliness of exam and data collection rooms are maintained at the highest standards to prevent spread of infection.
• Ensures clinical supplies are properly stocked and available as needed for patient care.
• Keeps inventory and ensures proper care and maintenance of all medical supplies and equipment, abiding by expiration dates, temperature and storage requirements, and orders/replenishes supplies as needed.
• Ensures all Point of Care testing performed are compliant with the CLIA Waiver Certificate requirements and keeps the proper required documentation.
• Abides by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clinical and non-clinical procedures conducted.
• Supports data entry and verification in electronic data capture systems and research databases (e.g., REDCap).
• Reviews vital signs, clinical findings, or adverse events and promptly reports any abnormal findings to the PI or Clinical Manager.
• Escalates non-routine issues, questions and/or concerns to the MHAC Clinical Manager.
• Works closely with the MHAC Clinical Manager to ensure abnormal research participant results are promptly identified and referred for appropriate follow-up when necessary.
• Maintains all appropriate certifications, and training necessary for the role (Citi training, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.).
• Ensures that all activities performed are compliant with the rules and regulations set forth by the TAMU system, state, and federal regulations.
• Assists with the implementation of corrective actions regarding clinical quality or research compliance.
• Serves as a clinical resource to Medical Assistants regarding specimen collection, infection control, participant safety, and clinic or research workflows.
• Provides clinical guidance and support to Medical Assistants during research visits and serves as the primary licensed clinical resource when the supervising RN or Clinical Manager is unavailable.
• Works collaboratively with multiple departments across the TAMU system to ensure safety and compliance with human research studies (IRB, EH&S, etc.).
• Maintains HIPAA compliance, when applicable.

Other Duties

Performs other duties as assigned. May need to perform office projects and tasks assigned by the supervisor.