Bridging Research and Real Lives: How Marci Kay Livingston is Advancing Patient-Centric Care as a CMRN
Meet Marci Kay Livingston, a Certified Mobile Research Nurse (CMRN) at PCM Trials. Mobile clinicians play a vital role in supporting participant optionality by bringing clinical trials directly to patients, wherever they are. With a background in emergency, hospice, and palliative care, Marci brings deep compassion and adaptability to every patient encounter. In this interview, she shares how her role as a CMRN has shaped her professional growth and what it means to deliver high-quality, patient-centric care in clinical research.
Q: Can you discuss your role as a CMRN with PCM Trials, including unique career development opportunities and how those experiences have enriched your nursing career and shaped your professional growth?
A: As a CMRN, I see myself as the bridge between groundbreaking research and real people who want to participate in clinical trials but might not have the ability to travel to a site. With my background in the ER, hospice, and palliative care, I’ve always prioritized patient-centered care, and this role allows me to bring that same compassion and attention to detail into the research setting.
Becoming a CMRN changed the entire trajectory of my career. What started as a part-time, flexible job sparked a deeper interest in clinical trial design and ultimately inspired me to pursue my PhD in clinical trials methodology. My current research focuses on improving methodological rigor, specifically on how to include people with lived experience in the early stages of Core Outcome Set (COS) development. The hands-on experience I’ve gained as a CMRN has provided me with valuable insight into the real-world challenges of clinical trials, which now directly informs my research in a meaningful way.
This role has offered me a perfect blend of clinical practice, patient interaction, and research exposure. For any nurse considering this career, I’d say go for it! It’s a meaningful way to grow professionally, contribute to vital research, and still make a direct impact on patients’ lives. Plus, the flexibility and autonomy are huge advantages over traditional bedside roles.
Q: What key skills and qualities are essential for success in a CMRN role, and how does PCM Trials support the development of these skills?
A: Beyond strong clinical skills, a successful CMRN needs to be adaptable, empathetic, and self-sufficient. Working in patients’ homes and other community settings requires the ability to think on your feet and create a calm, professional environment – no matter the circumstances.
Flexibility is essential in mobile trials, both for study efficiency and patient experience. I’ve cared for a wide range of patients, from busy parents to those with complex needs, and the ability to tailor visits to fit their lives is key. I’ve coordinated early morning labs, evening visits, and even weekends to accommodate patient schedules. For example, with mothers, I’ve planned visits around nap times or caregiver availability, so they didn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.
By adapting to each patient’s routine, I help keep studies on track while minimizing disruption to their lives. Creating a comfortable, familiar setting during visits also fosters trust and engagement to help create a positive experience for the participant, making them more likely to stay engaged in the trial.
PCM Trials provides excellent support for this work through comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources, equipping us with all the tools we need to succeed in this dynamic role.
Q: How do you ensure high-quality, participant-centric care during mobile visits, and what measures do you take to maintain strict adherence to clinical trial protocols and standards during mobile visits?
A: I approach every visit with the mindset that patients are people first, not just study participants. My background in hospice and palliative care taught me the importance of listening, communicating clearly, and making sure patients feel comfortable in their own homes. Many patients feel anxious about participating in a trial, so I take time to explain the process, answer questions, and ensure they feel heard. When patients are engaged and at ease, they’re more likely to stay in the study, leading to higher retention rates and better data quality.
My experience in high-stakes settings like the ER also emphasized how critical attention to detail and protocol adherence are. Clinical research requires precision and consistency, and I take that responsibility seriously. Before every visit, I thoroughly review the study protocol, double-check all documentation, and make sure I have all necessary materials. During visits, I maintain meticulous records, report any deviations immediately, and stay in close communication with the study team.
By conducting every visit with precision, ethical care, and a strong focus on the patient’s well-being, I help uphold the integrity of the study while also making trials more accessible.
Q: Can you describe how your role as a CMRN directly contributes to the success and integrity of clinical trials and how the work of CMRNs helps advance the field of clinical research?
A: As a CMRN, I see firsthand how the flexibility and accessibility of decentralized trials are transforming clinical research. Meeting patients where they are, rather than requiring travel to a site, makes trials more inclusive and improves both retention and data quality. Attending academic conferences and conducting research for my PhD has reinforced just how much mobile trials are shaping the future of research.
PCM Trials has truly been a leader at the forefront of this movement, embracing decentralized trials early on and setting the standard for a more patient-centric approach. By adapting to participant needs and streamlining processes, they’re advancing both the science and experience of clinical trials. I’m proud to contribute to that progress through my work as a CMRN.
Q: Can you share an example of a memorable study that you’ve served during your career?
A: One of the most memorable patients I served was a cancer patient living in a very remote area. I visited him regularly, sometimes being the only person he saw that month. As his condition declined, it became clear that he could no longer continue with the trial due to his health.
Even though he wasn’t able to continue the study, I was able to connect him with the necessary resources through the trial site, and he was eventually linked with home care services. It was incredibly fulfilling to know that, through my role as a CMRN, I was able to help him access the support and care he needed during a challenging time, even if it wasn’t directly related to the trial itself. Moments like this remind me of the true impact of my role beyond the study protocol – we’re there for patients as people, not just participants.
Q: What aspects of being a CMRN at PCM Trials bring you the most fulfillment?
A: This role has brought me into so many different homes, cultures, and communities, and each experience has taught me something valuable. I’ve worked with children in rare disease trials, older adults in Alzheimer’s research, and patients with terminal illnesses who saw participation as a way to leave a legacy. Every patient has a story, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey while contributing to research that may help others in the future.
What brings me the most fulfillment is the personal connection I get to build with patients. In the ER, everything moves fast. In hospice, time is often limited. But as a CMRN, I have the opportunity to slow down, spend quality time with patients in their own homes, and guide them through a process that can feel overwhelming. While working independently can be challenging, it’s also helped me grow into a stronger, more confident clinician.
Learn more about how PCM Trials can support your clinical development program.
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Interested in becoming a CMRN? View our available clinical research nurse positions here.
