Registered Nurse Research Project New

Great way to engage in research with nonprofit organizations and get involved with the University of Utah Center for HOPE!

Organizational Background/Mission: For over 40 years, AUCH has represented Utah’s Health Centers and their patients. As the Primary Care Association in the state, we provide over 12,000 hours of training and technical assistance to 14 Health Centers and affiliate members each year. Our members include Federal Health Center grantees that provide comprehensive, high-quality primary and preventive healthcare services to all individuals, with or without insurance, regardless of ability to pay. Health Centers are community-based, patient-directed organizations that eliminate geographical and financial barriers and serve populations with limited access to care. In support of our members and the people they serve, AUCH helps improve healthcare access through education, workforce development, community collaboration, and policy analysis. AUCH is designated by the Federal Bureau of Primary Health Care as the state Primary Care Association and Health Center Controlled Network and receives federal support to enhance services for members.

Job Summary: The Association for Utah Community Health is seeking a registered nurse whose primary responsibility is to conduct shared decision-making with patients regarding lung cancer screening through a research partnership with the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Center for HOPE. Shared decision-making is a collaborative process where patients and clinicians work together to make healthcare decisions, and involves discussing treatment options, potential risks and benefits, and the patient’s perspectives to arrive at a decision that best aligns with the patient’s needs and preferences. You will be a key member of the centralized research hub team working to increase the reach of lung cancer screening among eligible patients in community health clinics. You will facilitate shared decision-making discussions using the DecisionPrecision+ (DP+) app, which incorporates individualized risk information to guide screening decisions. This role requires excellent communication skills, clinical knowledge of lung cancer screening guidelines, and the ability to work collaboratively with research staff and healthcare providers.

General Responsibilities
This position is designed to have minimal impact on the workflow of participating community health centers while maximizing the reach of this evidence-based cancer screening intervention.

• Facilitate and conduct shared decision-making session with eligible patients (adults 50-80 years with ≥20 pack-year smoking history who are current smokers or quit within the past 15 years)
• Utilize the DecisionPrecision+ (DP+) app to facilitate patient-centered discussions about lung cancer screening benefits and risks
• Document shared decision-making sessions according to study protocols and clinical requirements
• Coordinate and follow up on lung cancer screening referrals for patients who elect to proceed with screening
• Work with participating clinics to build and maintain a list of facilities that provide Lung Cancer Screening
• Participate in training on study protocols, the DP+ application, and effective shared decision-making techniques
• Collaborate with the research team to identify opportunities to improve the centralized hub workflow
• Maintain study documentation in accordance with research protocols, regulatory, and clinic requirements
• Participate in regular team meetings to discuss study progress and address challenges
• Provide feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the DP+ app to support ongoing refinement
• Maintain awareness of health status and access need indicators, healthcare marketplace and other health-related information to support health center program grantees.
• Maintain awareness of local, state, and federal programs.
• Actively participate in local, state, regional, and/or national workgroups, training sessions, and committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as identified.

Position Qualifications:

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Utah (required)
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical nursing experience; experience in primary care, oncology, preventive health, or community health settings preferred
• Strong knowledge of lung cancer screening guidelines and shared decision-making best practices
• Experience working with EHR systems and patient documentation, experience with Athena, eCW, and EPIC preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are required
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and collaborate across multi-site teams
• Ability to work remotely, hybrid considered
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours
• Familiarity with working in research or grant-funded project environments preferred

AUCH is an equal-opportunity employer that offers flexible benefits, a casual work environment, and competitive compensation (DOE).

Category: Part-time 10-15 hours/week during pilot phase (approximately 4-5 months), transitioning to full-time January 2026, non-exempt for five years

Responsible to: Director of Operations

Compensation: Based on experience

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people in this job. The statements are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. This job description may be changed and additional duties may be added or assigned from time to time. The above description does not affect or diminish the at-will status of the employment relationship between AUCH and its employees.
 
The Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH) reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. AUCH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a disability accommodation in the application process, please contact AUCH at: 801-716- 4600.