Where Precision Meets Personal Connection: Robert Lohayza’s Role as a CMRN
Meet Robert Lohayza, a Certified Mobile Research Nurse (CMRN) at PCM Trials. Mobile clinicians play a vital role in supporting participant optionality in clinical trials by traveling to participants anytime, anywhere to conduct mobile visits. In this interview, Robert shares how his autonomy, adaptability, and passion for connection have shaped his nursing career.
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: PCM Trials has provided me with both personal and professional fulfillment through their trust in my skills and their support of my autonomy. One of my favorite aspects about working at PCM Trials is the flexibility to set my own schedule – a level of flexibility that’s rare in nursing and highly appealing to anyone considering this career path. The experiences I’ve had as a CMRN are vastly different from traditional clinic or hospital work. For mobile research unit (MRU) events, for example, I frequently travel out of state, which adds unique logistical elements. Beyond clinical tasks, I’ve had to manage flights, accommodations, car rentals, and even small details like packing efficiently to avoid checking luggage.
Over the past three years, I’ve primarily focused on MRU events. I started by mastering the basics of being a CMRN, including understanding clinical trial protocols, educating and consenting participants, drawing blood specimens, and handling lab responsibilities. Over time, I gained the experience to step into a lead role, where I oversee and troubleshoot MRU events, ensuring all tasks are completed and interfacing with upper management trial sponsors. This leadership role has been a significant growth opportunity, akin to a super advisory position in a hospital. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to collaborate with coworkers and management teams on a level I hadn’t experienced before, expanding my professional skill set and confidence.
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: Success at a CMRN requires teamwork and the ability to contribute to shared goals. Those who excel in collaboration often progress to lead positions quickly. PCM Trials supports the development of these skills through monthly team lead meetings, feedback from lead reports, and easy access to upper management for CMRN education and support.
Additionally, a background in home health can ease the transition to mobile research as it equips you with the skills needed to provide patient care. Ensuring the patient is well-informed about the study, its parameters, and expectations is key to a successful study visit. As someone who enjoys meeting new people, I use my “gift of gab” to build rapport with patients. By taking the time to get to know them, finding common ground, answering questions thoroughly, and not rushing the visit, I can ensure a positive and comfortable experience for each patient.
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: As the CMRN, I take responsibility for understanding trial protocols and ensuring I’m fully prepared before each visit. This includes reviewing protocols, organizing supplies, and verifying that all equipment is functioning properly. Adhering strictly to protocols – whether following scripts, collecting samples at specific times, or referencing guidelines during the visit – ensures accuracy and inspires patient confidence. I also make it a point to explain the importance of protocol adherence to the patient.
Creating a positive patient experience is equally important. Drawing on my home health background, I pay attention to the patient’s mood, environment, and support system. Listening to their concerns and taking the time to connect with them often improves their experience. Many patients participate in trials for personal reasons, and I’ve found that spending a few extra moments with them, even after the visit, can make a meaningful difference – especially for older or lonely individuals.
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: The success of a clinical trial depends on accurate data and adherence to study protocols. As a CMRN, I ensure that all data collected is precise and meets study guidelines. For example, during MRU events, I verify handwritten data for legibility and confirm patient identification to ensure accurate data collection. In the lab, I calibrate equipment and follow protocols for sample handling to maintain data integrity. Additionally, I educate participants about the study to help them provide informed consent, a critical step in clinical research.
CMRNs accelerate the collection and delivery of accurate patient data to clinical trial sites nationwide. Whether conducting large MRU events or individual mobile visits, CMRNs streamline the collection of high-quality data for clinical sites nationwide. PCM trials is an industry leader in global research, and CMRNs play a key role in that success by bringing specialized nursing expertise to nontraditional settings. This role requires teamwork, analytical skills, and experience beyond what’s taught in nursing school, offering nurses an opportunity to grow professionally in an innovative, dynamic field.
Q: Can you share an example of a memorable study that you’ve served during your career?
A: One of my most memorable visits was with a gentleman at his home. During study visits, I often look for something in the environment- like artwork, furniture, or music – to start a conversation. I noticed he seemed to be a jazz aficionado, so I mentioned a musician I admired (now deceased). To my surprise, his jaw dropped. He looked at me and said, “That was my brother-in-law.” I was stunned as he shared the story of how he, his sister, and the musician, traveled from Hungary to the United States in the 1950s. His sister married the musician, who went on to become a prominent figure in the jazz world during the 1960s. The visit itself went smoothly, but that connection and story left a lasting impression on me – I’ll never forget that one.
Q: What aspects of being a CMRN at PCM Trials bring you the most fulfillment?
A: For me, the greatest fulfillment as a CMRN comes from the autonomy the role provides. Throughout my career, I’ve thrived in positions that allow me to work independently while understanding exactly what’s expected of me. At PCM trials, this autonomy extends to helping newer CMRNs succeed by sharing tools and guidance.
At MRU events, challenges like bad weather, faulty equipment, or low participant interest can arise. While most issues can be resolved, some events – like those held at state fairs or home shows – simply don’t align well with the setting. These experiences, though challenging, offer valuable lessons and are unlike anything encountered in a traditional hospital environment
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.
