Nurse Practitioner

The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General (Healey Center) is a busy and growing center for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis that has a multidisciplinary ALS Clinic and is focused on research, both clinical and observational. The devoted team comprises physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, speech and swallowing therapists, respiratory therapists, and research coordinators.

Under the supervision of the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Manager and Collaborating Physician, the advanced practice provider (APP) will be responsible for aspects of protocols and policies for research studies of ALS being conducted in the Healey Center and Neurological Clinical Research Institute, within the scope of the advanced practice license as defined by the government of Massachusetts. The ALS Research APP also practices as a provider in the clinic (approximately 25% of time spent clinically) and sees a panel of patients that alternates between seeing an ALS physician and this APP.

This position requires leadership skills, flexibility, independence, and willingness to participate in multiple activities while providing support to patients and site staff by working as a team. Candidates must have strong communication skills, the ability to converse comfortably with patients and their caregivers, and the ability to work as a part of a team. Candidates must have experience or be willing to be trained in the following research procedures: lumbar punctures, intrathecal infusions, skin punch biopsies, and phlebotomy.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Responsibilities:

* Coordinates related patient care activities in the outpatient research setting. Sub or Co-I is responsible for data collection and documentation. Collects, compiles, tabulates, and analyzes data for the principal investigator(s).

* Contributes clinically across all study protocols by performing protocol-mandated initial and follow-up medical histories, physical and neurological examinations, cognitive and behavioral mental status examinations; by reviewing laboratory, radiological, and other relevant clinical reports; by evaluating adverse events to ensure subject safety; and other study-related procedures as needed.

* Delivers professional, ethical, and appropriate care to all patients according to the research protocol. Evaluates patients' responses to study protocols.

* Coordinates and implements the research study according to the study protocol.

* Performs required procedures, including lumbar punctures, intrathecal infusions, blood draws, and, skin biopsies.

* Collaborates with the principal investigator (s) and study team on an ongoing basis regarding the progress of the study and the continuation or termination of study subjects.

* Obtains all necessary approvals and subject informed consent when permitted by IRB and assesses patient's continued eligibility for participation on an ongoing basis.

* Adheres to GCP guidelines and the study protocol.

* With appropriate training and/or certification, performs medical procedures as needed including phlebotomy, IV infusions, IV insertion as well as IV Management (including drawing blood off IV line for PK studies), lumbar punctures, and skin punch biopsies.

* Informs the PI of all significant medical events in study participants. In cooperation with the PI, Nurse Manager, and/or Site Director as needed, implement appropriate medical interventions for significant findings during the study participant evaluations.

* Participates in Quality Assurance/Quality control activities. Performs appropriate Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance procedures.

* Attends protocol investigator meetings as necessary.

* Willing to contribute to the development and publication of research findings.

* Contributes to IRB submissions for protocols.

* Participates in daily operational activities necessary for a safe patient/staff environment. Knows and adheres to safety precaution techniques for Universal Precautions per Regulatory Standards.

* Maintains and updates clinical and research knowledge and skills, based on current nursing and health care practices.

* Identifies own learning needs and goals and designs a plan to meet them.

Clinical Responsibilities:

* Maintain a panel of clinical patients, providing direct care, counseling, and teaching to patients.

o Performs physical examinations and provides preventative health measures appropriate to patient needs.

o Orders, interprets and evaluates appropriate lab and diagnostic tests to assess patient's clinical problems and health care needs.

o Arrange for an appropriate plan of care and follow-up based on the outcome of the diagnostic lab and physical assessment findings.

o Orders laboratory tests appropriate for specific patient populations.

o Orders medications and write prescriptions according to organizational and regulatory policies and procedures.

o Records pertinent patient care findings in the medical record.

* Sets priorities for appropriate and efficient management of patient care that reflects cost-effective management of time, available human resources, supplies, and equipment.

* Maintains interdisciplinary approach to planning and communicating patient care information by discussing patient data with appropriate physicians and other health care professionals.

* Incorporates the concepts of health maintenance, prevention, and promotion into daily practice through patient education and counseling.

* Demonstrates awareness of community resources and assists staff, patients, and families to effectively utilize them.

* Provides coverage for APP staff as needed.

* Provides additional duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

* Clinical Skills: Willingness to learn following procedures are required: lumbar puncture, intrathecal infusion, skin biopsy, phlebotomy, IV experience, detailed neurological exam

* Professional knowledge: Research and clinical healthcare knowledge to enable effective interactions and communications with patients, caregivers, clinicians, coordinators, and healthcare administrators.

* Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and complete tasks; Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures.

* Highly motivated, independent, innovative, and capable of performing in a complex environment

* Strong sense of initiative and perseverance to carry through to completion of tasks; Demonstrates forthrightness and integrity.

* Exceptional teaching skills: Ability to act as an educational resource for research coordinators and research nurses one-on-one and as a group. Able to respond to questions and also proactively plan for training activities.

* Ability to identify issues/projects and initiate plans to address asking for direction when appropriate

* Ability to develop a common vision for diverse communities, communicate effectively, and take ownership and responsibility for activities.

* Interpersonal/communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication, and public speaking skills; Good command of the English language, including medical and scientific terminology.

* Information Systems/Technology Skills: Exceptional computer skills (including operating systems, databases, electronic mail, Internet, spreadsheets, and other office management systems); Ability to maintain databases and associated analysis and reporting.

* Quality Assurance: Skills to work efficiently and effectively and strive to do so in all aspects of the position.

* Critical Thinking/Decision Making: Ability to appropriately evaluate all aspects of a situation and to independently make appropriate and timely decisions.

* Personnel Management: Ability to coordinate among diverse populations.

* Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters discreetly and to ensure confidentiality guidelines are maintained by staff.

* Safety/Compliance: Knowledge in aspects of safety applicable to a position; Knowledge of and compliance with institutional, JCAHO, HIPAA, IRB, Good Clinical Practice, and other regulatory bodies standards.

EDUCATION:

Master's degree

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Prior NP/PA experience

Preferred: Clinical Trial experience

WORKING CONDITIONS:

* Busy ambulatory practice setting

• Normal office conditions
• Must be able to travel periodically
• Normal business hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-5 (with possible exceptions for attendance at conferences or other visits outside of business hours).
• Office Location: 165 Cambridge Street Boston is the main location for Healey Center. Also see patients at the following MGH locations: Charlestown Navy Yard, MGH Main Campus, and Charles River Plaza

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.