Perinatal Nursing Unit

The Perinatal CTRC staff is trained to make detailed observations over a wide range of birth-related protocols. The nurses are directly responsible for the precise collection of data and specimens. Overall duties extend far beyond basic patient care, although direct patient care may be necessary if deemed appropriate for the protocol. The nursing team otherwise operates in the pure research mode. Along with implementing protocols at UCH and TCH there is the possibility of traveling to birthing suites at other local institutions.

Specific responsibilities for each nurse include a liaison role for particular protocols. This role may include such activities as collaboration in writing of the protocol, guidelines in methodology and the selection of appropriate equipment and design of data collection forms and procedures.

The CTRC nurse screens for potential candidates within all appropriate units including the nurseries; ante-partum ward; OB/GYN clinic and the labor and delivery unit. If a particular candidate is found, the nursing staff then decides which protocol would be most appropriate and the investigator is notified. The investigator works directly or indirectly with the CTRC nurse, dependent on the nature of the protocol. In all cases, there are open lines of communication during the study between Center nurses, parents of babies joining a study, and the investigator.

This center has been allocated five full-time RN positions to maintain round-the-clock coverage throughout the entire week. Well versed in the methodology of clinical research, the team performs duties that are essential to maintaining the highest clinical research standards attainable. Since our primary aim is to achieve quality results in data collection, one of the most important elements of the center is the highly trained personnel. For more information on the Perinatal Nursing Unit contact:

Ms. Donna Rodden
Perinatal Nurse Manager
720-777-4692 (phone)
303-894-4026 (pager)