The RCMI-Clinical Research Center outpatient nursing staff are composed of three research nurses and a head nurse.  The head nurse is Adelma Rivera, BSN, CCRC, RN and the three research nurses are Laritza Berrios, BSN, RN, Omar Portalatín, BSN, CCRC, RN and Barbara Guzmán, BSN, RN,  all of them are certified to perfomed the Intra-Venous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT).  They provide regular units coverage from 8:00a. m. - 4:00p.m., Monday to Friday; however studies requiring visits after hours (i.e., pharmacokinetics studies) can be accommodated.  Prior to the begining, any new protocol in the RCMI-Clinical Research Center, after complete the application process, if nursing services will be required, the PI or coordinator must meet with the nursing staff.  It give us the opportunity to get acquainted,  learn of available services and together develop a plan to facilitate the requirements of the protocol.  

Services provided by the RCMI-Clinical Research Center outpatient nursing staff depends on the needs of the investigator.  The basic level of service includes: preparation of the study room with relevant equipment, measurements of vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, assistance in the perfomance of biopsy, timed sampling (i.e., pharmacokinetics studies), research documentation in patient's medical record including monitoring of subject compliance with the investigational drug and documentation of sides effects or toxicity. 

The nursing facilities provide by the RCMI-Clinical Research Center includes:

• Five examination/study rooms - Two of them are for gynecologic purposes. 
  
• One infusion room with capacity for two patients in studies requiring prolonged monitoring, medication administration, serial sampling or intravenous infusions. 
  
• One fully-equipped procedure room - with hyfrectro plus, an electro-dessication, fulguration and coagulation unit. 
  
• Phlebotomy room 
  
• Two nurse stations 
  
• Neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic testing capabilities
  
• QRS Diagnostic Spirometer Certified 
  
• IV pump-Abbott Life Care 5000 Infusion System Certified
  
• LifePak 500 Automated External Defibrillator
  
• Emergency Resuscitation Carts (Pediatric and Adult)
  
• Case IV^TM System Computer Aided Sensory Evaluator Equipment
  
• Quantitative Muscle Testing Equipment
  
• Lock Cabinets for storage of the Double-blind medications and facilities for those medications which require refrigeration.
  

Contact information:
For more information about nursing services please contact Adelma Rivera, BSN, CCRC, RN at:
Phone: (787) 759-0306 ext. 236 
Fax: (787) 759-0305 
e-mail: arivera@rcm.upr.edu