Bringing Hope Home: Amanda Soto’s Journey Bringing Clinical Trials to Participants
Meet Amanda Soto, a seasoned Certified Mobile Research Nurse (CMRN) at PCM Trials. CMRNs play a vital role in supporting participant optionality in clinical trials by traveling to participants anytime, anywhere to conduct mobile visits. In this interview, Amanda reflects on the experiences that have shaped her career, and the significant impact mobile research has on advancing medical breakthroughs.
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: I’ve been working as a CMRN at PCM Trials since 2015 and over the years, I’ve learned so much about the importance of clinical trials in advancing medicine. I love that working as a CMRN gives me the opportunity to see participants in the comfort of their own homes, which allows us to reach a more diverse population. PCM Trials has also given me the chance to meet participants through mobile research unit events , which provide different communities with the knowledge and opportunity to engage in clinical research. CMRNs play a crucial role in advancing clinical research, offering opportunities for the development of treatments for rare diseases, and providing hope to trial participants and their families.
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: Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are critical for a CMRN, along with proficiency in clinical skills like blood draws and intravenous (IV) tube placement, especially for trials requiring IV infusions. PCM Trials supports the development of these abilities through one-on-one training with study project managers, ensuring we’re familiar with the study protocol and giving us opportunities to ask questions and clarify details.
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: High-quality care is essential in clinical trials, as strict adherence to the protocol is necessary to ensure accurate trial results. I always review the study protocol before each visit and carry a copy with me to reference if needed. If I have any questions or need clarification, I reach out to the project manager immediately. It is crucial to follow every step, including properly handling lab work, like spinning samples in a centrifuge at the correct revolutions per minute. Each protocol step is vital to the integrity of the trial, and any deviations or adverse events are reported immediately.
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 directly contribute to the success and integrity of clinical trials by performing assessments and maintaining accurate, timely documentation during each participant visit. This documentation, along with the reporting of any adverse events, plays a key role in ensuring the trial proceeds smoothly and generates reliable data. Mobile research enables individuals who might not otherwise participate in a trial – due to the frequency of site visits or lab appointments – to complete study requirements in the comfort of their own homes.
Q: Can you share an example of a memorable study that you’ve served during your career?
A: One participant who holds a special place in my heart was a woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for whom I performed weekly IV infusion visits. She was always smiling and positive and brought me joy at each visit. Though she was a hard stick and obtaining IV access was sometimes challenging, she was incredibly patient, and over time, we formed a strong bond. We spent one to one and a half hours together during each visit, often just talking. Some days it was hard for me to understand her, but we were both patient with each other, and we always managed to find a way to laugh. I truly looked forward to those weekly visits.
Q: What aspects of being a CMRN at PCM Trials bring you the most fulfillment?
A: Working as a clinical research nurse is rewarding because I get to witness the progress being made in the treatment of rare diseases. It brings me joy to see the hope these advancements bring to participants and their families.
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Interested in becoming a CMRN? View our available clinical research nurse positions here.
