June 16 2025
Written by Sarah Lewis, BSN, RN, OCN, Beebe Healthcare, Delaware NCORP
Are you a new NRG Oncology research coordinator member looking for additional assistance learning NRG protocols and requirements? Perhaps you’re a long-standing NRG research coordinator member and could use a refresher or additional education in a new role. Maybe you’re from an institution that is having difficulty with NRG study accruals, timely data entry, or unsatisfactory audit results. Whatever your needs may be, the NRG Mentorship program is here to serve our clinical research members.
Through the NRG Oncology Mentorship Subcommittee, in collaboration with the NRG Oncology Protocol Support Committee (PSC), we can offer Clinical Trial Nurses (CTNs) and Clinical Research Associates (CRPs) one-on-one support and guidance related to the process and procedures of NRG Oncology clinical trials from an experienced CTN or CRP. An NRG Oncology mentor or NOM, can provide direction or support in the following areas:
- Patient Reported Outcome Surveys
- Adverse Event (AE/SAE) reporting
- Clinical Trials Support Unit navigation in relation to NRG clinical trials
- Budgeting/billing/coverage analysis
- Data entry and submission
- Drug accountability
- IRB and Regulatory issues
- Long-term follow-up
- Source documentation
- Management of affiliate sites
- Organization of research charts
- Recruitment and enrollment
- Audit preparation and follow-up
- Radiation oncology credentialing and treatment
- Specimen collection and submission
- Surgical oncology topics
- TRIAD submissions/issues
You can request a mentor by completing the NRG Oncology Research Coordinator Mentor Request form which can be found on the NRG Oncology website under Introductory Materials. Most of our mentors are available to meet with a mentee via phone, email or e-conferencing. Mentors will be matched to mentees based on needs identified and the the information provided by the mentee on the mentor request form.
NRG Oncology Mentorship Subcommittee is also open to new mentors. If you are interested in serving as a mentor and have experience in any of the NRG Oncology clinical trial topics listed above, you could benefit others in a mentorship role. The application process is fairly easy: you have to complete a mentor application and Provide a PI letter of recommendation (both documents are found in the Introductory Materials section of the website). The letter of recommendation by principal investigator or responsible investigator at your site can be the template letter posted on the website or a written letter signed by the investigator attesting that you are applying to be a mentor and are willing and available to attend NRG Mentorship meetings throughout the year as well as providing support to the NRG Mentorship Subcommittee in the NRG Oncology Semi-annual meetings either in-person or virtually. You will also include a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). We are looking for NRG mentors who have at least two years’ experience as a CTN/CRA, have at least two years’ experience with NRG Oncology trials, commit to a minimum of one year of service, and be aligned with a member institution of NRG Oncology in good standing per membership requirements.
If you have any questions related to the NRG Oncology Mentorship Committee, please reach out via email to pscmentorship@NRGOncology.org.
Positive responses from both mentors and mentees involved in our program:
“Being a mentor has given me an opportunity to give back. I was fortunate enough to work with and have very supportive mentors as a new research nurse. I remember how overwhelming it was at times and scary to "not know" what I was doing. I am hoping I provide a level of comfort for those that I mentor and am able to share the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years. “ – April Comley, BSN, RN, OCN, Beebe Healthcare, Delaware NCORP
“In my time on the Mentorship Subcommittee, I have gotten to know a group of friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable clinical trial professionals with a wide range of knowledge. With many mentors having at least 10 years of experience in the field, everyone is a wonderful source to guide mentees through the many hurdles that one faces in clinical trials while being friendly, approachable, and warm.” - David Samuel, BA, CCRP, Huntsman Cancer Institute