Research Nurse - Full-time and PRN, Contract

Research Nurse (RN) — Full-Time and PRN, Contract

Gateway Clinical Trials (GCT) is a growing clinical research company located in O’Fallon, Illinois, approximately 18 minutes from the St. Louis Arch. We are currently seeking Registered Nurses (RNs) to join our team on a full time and PRN contract basis for an upcoming clinical research study sponsored by Merck Pharmaceuticals.

This is a great opportunity for an RN interested in expanding their clinical experience into clinical research and gaining valuable, hands-on experience in a clinical trial setting. No prior research experience is required. Gateway Clinical Trials will provide study-specific training and education to prepare you for the role.

Study Overview

• Study: Post-Operative Bunionectomy Clinical Trial
• Anticipated Start Date: November 3, 2026
• Expected Duration: Approximately 6 months, through May/June 2027
• Position: PRN Contract Registered Nurse
• Compensation: $65/hour
• Location: O’Fallon, IL

The study will involve patients undergoing bunionectomy surgery and surgical and pain management aftercare. Patients will remain at our research facility for an extended post-operative observation period. We anticipate having up to 4 patients enrolled and staying at the facility each week.

Schedule & Shifts

We are looking for RNs who can provide coverage for day and/or overnight shifts during the inpatient portion of the study. Of note, we will need to train you prior to the study start date. 

Day Shift:

• Tuesday–Thursday
• 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
• $65/hour

Night Shift:

• Tuesday–Thursday
• 7:00 PM–7:00 AM
• $65/hour

Patients will arrive at staggered times on surgery days, with the first patient typically arriving around 5:45 AM. Patients will be discharged Friday morning, with all patients expected to have departed by approximately noon.

Additional Tuesday Surgery-Morning RN Coverage:
An additional RN will be needed on surgery mornings to assist with pre-operative and post-operative responsibilities. This shift typically begins around 5:00–5:15 AM and will have an earlier end time.

On surgery mornings, two RNs will be present to assist with getting patients to and from surgery. On other days, there will typically be one RN per shift.

Responsibilities

As part of the clinical research team, responsibilities may include:

• Starting IVs and obtaining vital signs
• Performing blood draws
• Performing EKGs
• Monitoring patients during popliteal nerve block and catheter placement
• Administering and dispensing study medications according to protocol
• Safely handling and administering narcotics as required
• Changing IV fluids
• Providing post-operative observation and monitoring
• Monitoring patient safety and clinical status throughout the inpatient stay
• Communicating patient observations and relevant clinical information to the research team
• Accurately documenting clinical and study-related information
• Following study protocols and applicable research procedures

Qualifications

• Active Illinois RN license required
• BLS certification required
• ALS certification required
• Must be comfortable performing blood draws and starting IVs
• Must be comfortable handling and administering medications, including narcotics
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow protocols
• Reliable and dependable
• Comfortable working independently while also functioning as part of a clinical research team
• Previous clinical research experience is not required

Why Join Gateway Clinical Trials?

This is a unique opportunity to expand your nursing career beyond traditional clinical practice while gaining experience in the rapidly growing field of clinical research.

Gateway Clinical Trials will provide the study-specific training and support needed to prepare you for your responsibilities. You will work alongside experienced research professionals while developing valuable skills in clinical trial procedures, protocol adherence, patient monitoring, and research documentation.

If you are an RN looking for full-time or PRN work, a unique clinical experience, and the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical research experience, we would love to hear from you!