Vanessa De Pue
Clinical Research Coordinator
Midwest Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation in Beacon Health System
Elkhart, IN USA
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Studying toxicology then switching my major to chemistry broadened my initial science knowledge base to include health from a science perspective.
Two years of volunteer service helped stave off mental burnout as I learned new skills and met people from varied walks of life—from all over the U.S. and overseas.
Working for an industrial chemical company as a salaried and female employee taught me the value of negotiation, but only after I worked myself to exhaustion trying to do it all and was paid less.
Being accepted to a Chemistry PhD program at Rice University in Houston was mentally stimulating, but, when a health issue caused me to re-evaluate if I push through, the focus was too narrow for me.
I used the solid relationship I kept with the chemical company to return and work part time while going back to school for nursing. I needed to have a career with more variety than a PhD allowed.
Completing my biology BS along with my nursing BS deepened my understanding of clinical trial science and the side effects patients experience. Took time for educational service travel = perspective.
Participating in extra educational dinners gave me the opportunity to network with study professionals and collaborate regarding analysis of side effects and future research directions as an RN.
3 clinical trials jobs = don't be afraid to change even after 10 yrs. 1. Manager change = trial dept was sidelined. 2. only psych + MD not . 3. Now Cardiology, a solid team and a promotion
Education
High School
Concord High School
Concord High School
Bachelor
Nursing and Biology
Goshen College
Nursing and Biology
Goshen College
Certification/License
Oncology Certified Nurse
Oncology Nursing Socieity
Oncology Certified Nurse
Oncology Nursing Socieity
Certification/License
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Career
Clinical Research Coordinator
I conduct clinical trials research at a cardiovascular clinic and am the department supervisor.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Science
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
I review patients from the hospital list and discuss them with the care team at morning rounds if they potentially qualify for a clinical trial. Then, I review the outpatient clinic schedule for our outpatient trials. I teach patients about the trial, collect side effect data from consented patients, dispense medications, and attend procedures to guide randomization and use of devices. I participate in national study update meetings and review potential new trials. My day is constantly changing.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
In clinical trials research, one must possess attention to detail and protocol rules, but be able to assimilate continual change of the rules. There will always be tension between the best interests of the patient and the research, as well as ideal protocol adherence and the real world of the clinic and patients' lives. If an RN, study some toxicology research. It's a good application of science to medicine to answer the question of causality. If not medical, shadow RNs in the clinic and the MD.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Nursing and Biology
Nursing and Biology
Certification/License
Oncology Certified Nurse
Oncology Certified Nurse
Certification/License
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You should know what you want to do and go after it. You should become a doctor instead of a nurse."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
