From Bedside to Remote Research

One nurse left 7 years of night shift behind to work remotely in clinical research

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Nurse Spotlight: Krystan M., RN, BSN, ACRA

What I do for work

I’m a nurse clinical research assistant working for a large pharmaceutical company. I work remotely overseeing a clinical team running a trial, where I lead in following up with the staff to ensure all needed documentation is filed and that the patients are fit for the trial and are moving through the process accordingly.

How I got here

I went to nursing school soon after high school and started working in a local hospital as soon as I got my BSN. My mom is a nurse, so both my sister and I always assumed we would be nurses too — and now we both are. I worked night shift on a telemetry medical-surgical unit for 7 years before I needed a change of pace from working nights on the floor. I was lucky to get connected to a related job that utilizes my expertise in health, and I have really enjoyed the improvement in my quality of life it has given me and my family.

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More on Krystan

A day in my life

I work remotely as a liaison between the research sites and the CRO (clinical research organization) and act as an assistant lead for the team working a clinical trial. I help ensure site preparedness, check in on logistics for the monitoring process, and assist with tasks for site management and remote monitoring. Throughout the day, I’ll be frequently checking my emails to ensure I’m available to support as needed, as well as attending phone meetings to provide additional clarity to other team members.

My self-care routine (or what I do for fun, or to relax)

In my time off, I love going out with my family and sharing a sweet treat (my current obsession is Argentinian medialuna pastries) or spending time at the beach. To move my body, I try to go to Pilates when I can to get a workout in. I also love gathering with friends and sharing a potluck of good food and good chats.

Headlines in Healthcare

Possibility of cheaper drugs

Pfizer has agreed to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid under a deal made with the Trump administration. According to AP News, Pfizer has agreed to charge Medicaid the lowest price offered in a developing nation on certain drugs. Pfizer is known as one of the largest US drug makers, including the production of: the COVID vaccine (Comirnaty), Paxlovid, several cancer drugs, the blood thinner, Eliquis, and Prevnar pneumonia vaccines.

Threat to senior telehealth access

Health officials warn that millions of seniors could lose access to telehealth services if the ongoing government shutdown is not resolved. According to The Washington Post, Medicare-funded virtual visits are at risk of suspension without renewed funding from Congress. Experts say this could leave older adults without critical access to routine check-ups, mental health counseling, and chronic disease management, services that became especially vital during the pandemic.

Shampoo to save hair in chemotherapy

A researcher at Michigan State University has made a new discovery he hopes will aid hair loss prevention during chemotherapy, the Detroit Free Press reports. The solution he's found is a hydrogel shampoo that is placed on the scalp before chemotherapy infusion. Inside the gel is a medication that constricts the blood vessels of the scalp, limiting the blood flood and the concentration of chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles which may lead to hair loss.

An image of author Katie Scoggins is pictured.

Meet the author:
Katie Scoggins
(RN, BSN & Health Writer)

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