As nurse manager, Barbara has created the structures through which nurses participate in clinical trials. She was instrumental in developing the Mass General Cancer Center Protocol Office’s staff of 11 research nurses and 20 clinical research coordinators. She is a working manager who has her finger on the pulse of all clinical activity associated with clinical trials. Barbara reviews all clinical trial protocols for nursing feasibility, with patient safety as her priority. On any given day, she may be orienting and training new staff, providing direct patient care, supervising research nurses and, meanwhile, instructing an Infusion Unit nurse in the particulars of a trial.
Barbara’s steadfast devotion and commitment to clinical trials as a source of new cures for cancer influence every nurse who works with her. Her courage and tenacity when positive outcomes are infrequent also inspire her staff. Barbara instills in her staff deep faith in the importance of their work and helps patients understand the value of their volunteerism.
