Clinical Research Training - Paediatric Research Academic Initiative in SickKids Emergency (PRAISE)
Applications for the PRAISE August 2013 term are now CLOSED. Please check back in mid-September 2013 for application details for the February 2014 term.
Due to the volume of emails we are not able to respond personally to all inquiries. Please complete the online application survey to the best of your ability along with the additional application steps.
Please note the following dates and deadlines. As successful applicants please be aware you will need to strictly adhere to these timelines and be available for all dates.
- Application Deadline: Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 11:59 p.m.
- All and only successful interviewees will be contacted by email on or around April 15, 2013
- Interview Dates: May 9 and/or 10, 2013 (between 9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.) **These dates and times are subject to change **
- Mandatory Orientation Evenings: July 8 and/or 9, 2013 from 5 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m. **These dates and times are subject to change **
- Training shift weeks: Weeks of July 15 & 22, 2013 (all volunteers must complete two shadowing shifts during this time, one each week)
- Duration of six-month placement: July 29, 2013 to Jan 26, 2014
The application has three components:
- Complete the online application survey
- Your curriculum vitae (CV) - by email
- Your recent to date transcripts - by email
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
What is the purpose of this program?
Volunteers for the “Paediatric Research Academic Initiative in SickKids Emergency (PRAISE)” Clinical Research Training Program at SickKids function as trainee volunteer research assistants. Volunteers will be trained to help screen and enroll eligible patients into multiple clinical research studies that are currently recruiting in the Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine.
The specific goals of this initiative are to provide a constant research presence in the Emergency Department (ED) and to educate and mentor future research and/or health care professionals and to improve recruitment rates to ongoing studies.
What will I be doing?
You will primarily be the first research point of contact for patients and families arriving in the ED. As they arrive you will be scanning the ED patient tracking system to capture possible patients for approximately 10 studies. This will entail approaching families and/or clinical staff and completing a short set of questions to determine eligibility into the various studies. PRAISE volunteers will be responsible for obtaining full consent and completion for survey studies and some cohort projects. You will also work closely with the ED research nursing team for more complex studies such as clinical trials. Importantly, you will be working very closely with the PRAISE manager who is committed to educating the PRAISE participants and ensuring a high performance standard.
What is required?
A commitment of one shift per week, every week, for six months from volunteers with a keen interest in learning more about the basics of clinical research. Volunteers will choose one of 42 available shifts slots from Monday through Sunday. You are entitled to 2 vacation days and 4 personal/sick days (these 4 must be made up) 23 shifts over a 26 week term must be completed. The program operates seven days a week from 8:30am to 11:00pm and is divided into the following three shifts:
- 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The program follows the academic school year and runs from August to January and from February to July. All volunteers must: meet SickKids hiring requirements (TB test, proof of immunization, criminal reference/background check and orientation), complete Ethics and Good Clinical Practice training and familiarize themselves with current protocols. Volunteers who meet minimum program requirements may have the opportunity to extend their six-month commitment for another term.
- Current registered students (priority will be given to 3rd and 4th year undergraduates) or recently graduated students (less than 12 months) from an accredited post-secondary program (e.g. undergraduate, graduate or nursing school) are eligible for this training program
- International Medical Graduates are not eligible to apply for the program
- A commitment to work one five-hour shift per week for six months is mandatory
- Volunteers must meet occupational health requirements (two-step TB test and up to date immunization)
- Complete paperwork as required by Human Resources and Volunteer Services
- Attend the program and hospital required orientation session(s) and training shifts (see dates above)
- Complete Tri-council policy statement (TCPS2) ethics training certificate
Qualifications:
To be considered for the position you should possess:
- Excellent attention to detail and efficient time management skills
- Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to be self-directed, flexible and take initiative
- Be comfortable working independently or as part of a team
- Previous customer service skills and/or experience working with the general public is an asset
Will I be paid?
This is a volunteer opportunity. At the end of your six-month commitment you will receive an official certificate of completion of the PRAISE Clinical Research Training Program and a reference letter upon request.
How might this experience help me?
This position primarily provides the opportunity to learn about practicality of conducting research in a clinical setting. During each six month term, you will receive some formal instruction on research methods. If you plan to pursue a career in clinical research, you are likely to benefit from having clinical research experience on your CV. Many motivated PRAISE participants, either alongside or following their PRAISE experience, have had the opportunity to be involved more extensively in individual research projects.
You will gain valuable clinical experience communicating with families in the ED. Additionally, having the opportunity to work alongside experienced clinical staff will provide better insight into paediatric emergency medicine and offers the opportunity to cultivate collaborative relationships with medical professionals that will helpful if you are considering a medical career.
What type of research is going on?
Current studies are focused on areas of care that directly affect thousands of children in the ED every year. Studies include but are not limited to, children with asthma, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, cardiac arrest, brain injury and paediatric fractures.
Who do I contact for more information?
CV's and transcripts should be submitted via email to: acutecareresearch.training@sickkids.ca The website has the most up to date information and due to large volumes of emails we may not be able to respond to all enquiries.