The Nurse's Role in Facilitating Patient Enrollment in Clinical Trials

Oncology nurses are key players when it comes to enrolling and guiding patients through clinical trials, according to Katie Goodman, RN, BSN, CCRP, the director of clinical research at Florida Cancer Specialists.

Goodman said that while doctors typically identify patients who may be eligible for a certain trial, it is the nurse who then works with the patient to ensure that they have the proper baseline testing and that they are educated on the trial they are about to pursue.

Once individuals are enrolled, they meet with the oncology nurse at almost every visit, where he or she will go over all medications that the patient is taking, as well as any adverse events that they are experiencing.