William t. dahms, M.D. clinical research unit

Nursing

            The DCRU provides experienced RNs trained in research data collection such as phlebotomy, investigational drug administration, conduct of pharmacokinetic studies, physiological measurements, nursing assessments and monitoring, bronchoscopy assistance, overnight sleep study observation, SphygmoCor and Glomerular Filtration Rate Studies. Adult and pediatric research participants may be admitted either as inpatients or outpatients, depending on the requirements of the specific research protocol. A DCRU Protocol Nurse is assigned to every study for development of study and visit specific source documents and standardized physician order sets.  DCRU nurses are sometimes deployed to other Hospital units, particularly Lerner Tower 6, to conduct pharmacokinetic studies on patients who are too acute to be seen on the DCRU. The DCRU staff also includes an MD Program Director, Administrative Director, Research Subject Advocate, DCRU Nutrition staff, Informatics Manager, Sample Processors, and Core Laboratory staff. In addition to the Nursing Station on Horvitz 7 (9 beds and 2 outpatient recliner chair stations) the Center has administrative space, a Research Kitchen, a sample processing lab, a Core laboratory, and also 3 un-staffed exam rooms and a Developmental Testing Room in the Bolwell Health Center.
           
            All DCRU nurses are certified through CITI training in Human Research Subject Protection.  All full and part time RNs are trained in Biotherapy and Chemotherapy Administration by the Oncology Nursing Society.  The DCRU is available for Phase I, II and III trials. 
           
            The DCRU is routinely staffed by RNs from 7am Monday, 24 hours per day, through Saturday day shift at 3 p.m. In addition the unit is open through Sunday day shift on two pre-planned weekends per month.  The unit is open on Sunday night only by special arrangement. The patients are pre-scheduled with the DCRU staff and the staffing is adjusted accordingly by number and specialty training required to meet research protocol needs.  The DCRU is not open on holidays unless special arrangements are made.