Oncology nurse Julie McCluggage is the first nurse in UCSF history to earn the rigorous Clinical Research Nurse-Board Certified (CRN-BC) credential. McCluggage, RN, OCN, CRN-BC, has been caring for UCSF patients for 29 years. She helped establish and works with the Cancer Center’s Cancer Immunotherapy Program (CIP). Below, McCluggage talks about choosing nursing over art school and the role research nurses have in clinical trials, treatment protocols, and FDA approvals.
Q. Let’s begin with a bit of background. Where did you grow up? What were your formative years like? What were your interests?
A. I grew up in Ashland, OH, a small town. I enjoyed music and art and played multiple musical instruments (violin, cymbals, marching and concert French horn). I was in the orchestra, marching band, and ran long distance in track. I also loved baking for friends and family, which I still do!
Q. When did you become interested in medicine and science? Was there a life event or person that inspired you in this direction? When did you begin pursuing medicine academically? Why oncology nursing?
A. I was an art major and had registered to attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.That summer, between graduating and starting college, I worked at a local amusement park. I could not afford art school and was trying to figure out what to do. I met some people going to college for nursing who told me about hospitals assisting with tuition because of nursing shortages. I started looking at colleges that offered nursing programs where I could work, live at home, and go to college.
During that time, I took a year off and worked as a medical assistant in a nursing home. I figured if I could handle that, I could handle nursing school. I got into an associate degree program at a tech college and worked at the nursing home while taking classes. While we were doing an orientation in oncology, my grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer. Something clicked, and I knew I wanted to be an oncology nurse.
Q. Finally, to your recent CRN-BC certification from the Clinical Research Nurse Council. You are the first nurse at UCSF to receive this. Congratulations. What was the certification process like? Why did you pursue it?
A. Thank you! Research nursing and oncology are huge passions, and I am always interested in improving myself and growing in my career. I was not aware of this certification until my manager Elaine Esler, MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC, Nurse Supervisor, CIP, told me about it. Once I learned about the certification, it was a goal to obtain it.
It was an intense application process. I submitted a research-focused portfolio that required continuing education/50 CEUs, research-directed only; a CV documenting hours worked as a research nurse; and a 1500-word, detailed patient story illustrating breadth and depth of nursing experience. Other requirements included clinical research presentations, scholarly research editing and writing, advanced professional activities, and academic education.
Truthfully, I wouldn’t have received the certification without the help of colleagues Maria Yefimova, PhD, RN, BSN, Lead Nurse Scientist at UCSF Health’s Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation; and Laura Wagner, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor and Interim Chair of the UCSF Research and Scholarship team.
They were instrumental in teaching me how to develop posters, presentation decks and style, and how to write a chapter for ONS Manual for Clinical Trials Nursing. Huge thanks to Maria and Laura!
Q. Please describe your research and where you hope to take it? What questions are most urgent for you?
A. I have worked in all phases of clinical research and discovered that I truly enjoy Phase I research. It is unique, complex, and rewarding when the FDA approves a product you have worked on for years and it becomes standard of care.
I would say that my wish is to leave a legacy for other nurses who are interested and passionate about research. I want to be a part of growing the research nurse role at UCSF. Also, I would love to do my own research projects as well, something I have not yet accomplished.
“This is a significant accomplishment not just for Julie, but for our entire institution, as it underscores our commitment to excellence in clinical research and patient care.
Julie’s dedication, hard work, and passion for advancing the role of Research Nursing have been truly inspiring. This certification is a testament to her expertise and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of practice in our field. It also sets a new benchmark for our team and opens the door for more of our colleagues to follow in her footsteps.
The CRN-BC credential represents the only nursing-specific certification that recognizes expertise as a clinical research nurse. Certification is earned through the completion of a professional portfolio that validates the applicant's expert performance in clinical research nursing.”
Elaine Esler MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC
Cancer Immunotherapy Program Nurse Supervisor
Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Q. Why do you think you’re the first nurse at UCSF to earn the CRN-BC certification? Are there barriers to- or factors discouraging more nurses from conducting research?
A. Truthfully, I think most research nurses don’t know about it. I also believe that many nurses doing research as part of their duties aren’t designated as “research nurse.”
I believe it would be helpful to collaborate with all nurses doing research to develop practice standards. I think we are all doing our own thing and believe we could learn from one another and standardize what we do. Also, I think the barrier for nurses conducting research is time. So many nurses have great ideas but don’t have the bandwidth to work on research projects. Having designated time for this would benefit nurses as well as UCSF.
Q. What advice do you have for nurses who want to pursue research?
A. Nurses can begin by contacting colleagues doing research and ask about getting involved. They can pursue attending research conferences, continuing education, and giving presentations. I invite anyone reading this to reach out to me!
Q. What influence do research nurses have in shaping cancer research and policy?
A. We have a lot to contribute. We are “boots on the ground” with a great deal of practical experience. For example, I have had many opportunities to give nursing input to pharmaceutical companies and on internal-investigator-initiated trials. I provided nursing input that led to protocol amendments. The nursing perspective on the reality and feasibility of implementing the protocol is valuable.
Q. How has oncology nursing changed with advancements in treatment and technology? What’s exciting to you in terms of treatments on the horizon? What does a typical week look like for you?
A. I have been an oncology nurse for almost 29 years, and oncology has changed in many ways. We have many more treatment options for patients, but we have a long way to go. We are still learning about cancer, tumor markers, the immune system, etc. I’m excited for the future and where we are heading.
I currently work in the Cancer Immunotherapy Program which I helped start almost nine years ago. These days, immunotherapy is working, and the FDA approval of T-cell engagers, CAR-T’s, TILs, and SPEARs (specific peptide enhanced affinity receptor) is incredible! There have been some amazing advancements in hematological malignancies, but we have a way to go with solid tumors.
A typical week includes working on protocols (developing nursing orders, nursing quick reference guides, approving treatment, t-cell orders, etc.); updating orders based on protocol amendments; nursing education/training on protocols; patient education and monitoring adverse events; administering immunotherapy agents; attending research meetings (team meetings, patient update meetings, sponsor meetings, site initiation meetings); and collaborating with CRCs, NPs, and PIs in the daily care of my research patients.
Q. How do you like to spend time outside of work? Hobbies and pursuits? Self-care routines?
A. I have learned that self-care is vitally important. Oncology nursing is rewarding but can be heart-breaking and emotionally draining. My self-care regimen is spending quality time with those I love (husband, family, and friends); lots of physical exercise (weightlifting, walking); meditation; baking; listening to musicr reading; and shopping (smile)!