Entry-level Research Nurse

McKesson’s Corporate; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) in Nashville seeks an Associate Clinic Research Nurse to deliver direct patient care within clinical trials and ensure accurate data collection. You will assess patients, manage venous access, collect specimens, and support protocol-driven procedures under physician orders.

The role combines hands-on nursing with research administration, requiring RN licensure in Tennessee, BLS, and a collaborative approach to patient safety and protocol adherence.

Qualifications

• Current RN license to practice in Tennessee.
• Knowledge of clinical nursing practices and research protocols.
• BLS certification and readiness for clinical trial environments.

Responsibilities

• Access, de-access, and maintain central venous devices and peripheral IVs.
• Collect, process, and document specimens per protocol.
• Record vital signs and ECGs; monitor patients during visits.
• Provide direct nursing care per physician orders and SOPs.
• Maintain source data and support data queries for trials.

Skills

Nursing assessments

Venipuncture

ECG collection

Specimen handling

Attention to detail

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing

Bachelor Degree preferred

Job description

It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Mission. Our people are the foundation of our success. By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have the opportunity to become part of one of the largest community-based cancer programs to advance oncology treatments and improve outcomes for cancer patients across the globe.

We look for mission‑driven candidates who have a desire to advance the fight against cancer and make a difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer every day.

Our Mission People who live with cancer – those who work to prevent it, fight it, and survive it – are at the heart of every decision we make. Bringing the most innovative medical minds together with the most passionate caregivers in their communities, we are transforming care and personalizing treatment.

Through clinical excellence and cutting‑edge research, SCRI is redefining cancer care around the world.

The Associate Clinic Research Nurse supports clinical research operations by delivering direct patient care and ensuring accurate data collection. The position requires a licensed registered nurse capable of performing clinical assessments, managing medical equipment, and supporting study‑related procedures. The role is hands‑on and patient‑facing, with responsibilities that span both clinical and administrative functions.

In this position you will:

• Access, de‑access, and maintain central venous devices (e.g., ports, PICCs); place peripheral IVs as needed for blood collection.
• Collect, process, and document specimens using peripheral, central line, and protocol‑specific blood collection techniques.
• Perform line flushes and assess patients with poor venous access.
• Collect and document vital signs and ECGs; recognize abnormal ECG findings and elevate per protocol.
• Provide direct nursing care to patients in accordance with physician orders, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform nursing assessments, monitor patients, and document findings at each clinic visit.
• Prepare, quality‑check, and manage sponsor‑provided research collection kits.
• Route collected specimens to appropriate departments for processing and analysis.
• Ensure pharmacokinetic rooms and clinical spaces are clean, stocked, and patient‑ready.
• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot clinic‑owned and sponsor‑owned ECG equipment.
• Accurately collect, document, and maintain source data in accordance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Complete and submit data queries and documentation with appropriate source support.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support patient care and research operations.
• Adhere to protocols, policies, lab manuals, SOPs, and applicable regulations, including patient confidentiality requirements.

You will need for this position:

• Current RN license to practice in the state of Tennessee
• Current BLS Certification
• Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor Degree preferred
• Skill in performing nursing assessments, venipuncture, ECG collection, and specimen handling with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of clinical nursing practices, specimen collection techniques, and management of central venous and peripheral access devices within a research or clinical setting.
• Knowledge of clinical research protocols, regulatory requirements (e.g., GCP), and documentation standards to ensure data integrity and patient safety.

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute

Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community‑based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. In 2022, SCRI formed a joint venture with former US Oncology Research to expand clinical trial access across the country. It has conducted more than 850 first‑in‑human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA in the past decade. SCRI’s research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are enrolling patients into clinical trials at more than 200 locations in 20+ states across the U.S. Please click here to learn more about our research offerings. We care about the well‑being of the patients and communities we serve, and that starts with caring for our people. That’s why we have a Total Rewards package that includes comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well‑being. Our Total Rewards offerings serve the different needs of our diverse colleague population and ensure they are the healthiest versions of themselves. For more information regarding benefits through our parent company, McKesson, please click here. As part of Total Rewards, we are proud to offer a competitive compensation package. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

About McKesson

We deliver careers with purpose and potential. Our focus on better health starts with creating an inclusive environment with strong values where you can build a fulfilling career. You can count on us to provide you with resources and opportunities to grow and be your best, while contributing to our pursuit of improving lives. Every day, McKesson’s employees deliver products to healthcare providers that make a difference in the care and life of a patient. We work to distribute medical supplies, bandages, syringes, vials of flu vaccine, and pharmaceutical drugs to help real patients like Jack, an eight‑year‑old boy battling cancer. We take that job seriously. Together, the work we do is shaping the future of healthcare. By providing your personal information here, you are acknowledging our privacy statement. (English) http://www.mckesson.com/about-mckesson/privacy-notice-careers-EN/ For information on how we use cookies and other tracking technologies on our website, see our Cookie Notice. http://www.mckesson.com/about-mckesson/cookie-notice/