Children’s Hospital is hiring a Clinical Observer in their Pediatrics Department.

in Jobs
September 5th, 2014

Job Title: Clinical Observer

Hiring Department: General Pediatrics

Reports To: Christopher Landrigan, MD, MPH

Preferred Start Date: October 27, 2014-July 2015

 If you are interested, please send your resume to Alex Male at Alexandra.Male@childrens.harvard.edu

 General Overview:

The Clinical Observer will assist the Principal Investigator and his Associates in the implementation of a research study designed to determine the impact of extended house staff work hours on medical errors in the intensive care unit setting. Observers will be responsible for the observation and recording of all actions performed by residents participating in a multi-disciplinary study of sleep deprivation and medical errors in the Boston Children’s Hospital pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).  As a group, observers will be following interns 24 hours per day as they perform their duties in the ICUs, and will be recording all of their actions in a structured series of electronic data forms. Whenever a patient is admitted to the ICU, the observer will collect information about the patient.  Whenever an adverse event or medical error is observed, observers will fill out data forms on the event.  Each observer will work 8-12 hour shifts.  At the end of each shift, another observer will take over for the one going off duty.  Work as an observer will include evening and weekend hours.

Job Description:

  • Pre-Study:  Will receive intensive training in unobtrusive medical observation techniques, and in the use of all data forms required for study.
  • Study Start-Up:  Will begin observations under guidance from study investigators.
  • Daily duties: Clinical observers will monitor all activities in the intensive care unit setting to identify medical errors. Will independently observe intern throughout a shift, recording all actions, errors, events.  Will collect baseline information on all patients admitted to the ICU. Will complete structured data forms on errors and events while on duty.  Will be as unobtrusive as possible in observation.  Protocols for taking immediate action have been developed for the unlikely event that the observer discovers a critical error in evolution that could harm a patient if not acted upon.
  • Signs out to incoming observer at end of shift.
  • Assist in development of incident forms and study protocol.
  • Adheres to data collection protocol.
  • Prepares case reports and source documentation for independent monitoring and audits.
  • Responds and completes data queries and clarifications.
  • Responsible for data validation and quality control.
  • Works with research team to insure adherence to IRB guidelines and regulations.
  • May contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
  • Prepares weekly status reports for meetings and monitoring of database.
  • Meets weekly with Investigators to review study progress.
  • May participate in professional meetings, continuing education, and or formal academic programs.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Salary: $40,900 per year (annual rate); $27,267 total (duration of study is 8 months)

Qualifications:

Advanced clinical training required.  MD degree preferred but requirement may be waived for exceptional candidates. Some experience as a research assistant strongly preferred. If foreign national, must have work or student visa which permits him/her to work in the United States on a full or part-time basis for the duration of the study.

Required Skills & Competencies:

  • Meticulous and detail oriented concerning the collection and documentation of research data.
  • Excellent judgment skills and ability to interpret and follow protocol’s requirements.
  • Flexibility to meet the needs of the Division and the study participants.
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently.
  • Proficiency with modern touch screen devices and REDCap experience desired.

Work Hours:

8-12 hour shifts. Weekend/night duty required. Part-time and full-time positions available.

Typical Applicants:

  • Recent graduates of American M.D. programs who wish to take some time off before beginning their residency.
  • Graduates of foreign M.D. programs who are currently completing a secondary graduate degree in the States (ie: an MPH at HSPH); or working in research as they prepare to take the American qualifying board exams.