Serene Careaga, BSN, RN

PROFILE


BSN-prepared clinical research nurse with 3+ years of oncology experience, including clinical research managing 20 concurrent phase III protocols and infusion therapy at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Proven ability to independently manage complex oncology trials across multiple disease sites with consistently clean audits. Skilled in protocol start-up, patient enrollment and education, treatment administration, adverse event monitoring, regulatory documentation, and multidisciplinary care coordination. Experience in pharmaceutical-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials (IITs), NCTN cooperative group studies, and GCP-compliant research operations.

SKILLS
  • Clinical Expertise: Patient assessments, infusion therapy, symptom management, patient and family education, chemotherapy/immunotherapy administration.
  • Technical Proficiency: Epic EHR, electronic documentation, medicalequipment troubleshooting.
  • Soft Skills: Patient advocacy, therapeutic communication, adaptability, teamwork, and mentorship.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Clinical Research Nurse – Medical, Surgical, and Radiology Oncology
Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple Hospital, Philadelphia
April 2025 – Present

  • Manage 20 concurrent phase III oncology protocols (6 active accrual, 14 follow-up) across Head & Neck, Thoracic, and Breast cancer disease groups
  • Achieve consistently clean audits through meticulous source documentation and real-time data entry in multiple EDC systems (RAVE, OnCore, Florence)
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary care with laboratory, infusion pharmacy, radiology, advanced practice providers, and inpatient units
  • Conduct patient screening, informed consent, enrollment, treatment administration, and protocol-specific toxicity assessments
  • Review clinical and laboratory data in real-time, assess adverse events, and communicate with PIs regarding toxicity management
  • Manage pharmaceutical-sponsored trials and NCTN cooperative group studies (SWOG, Alliance) with full regulatory compliance

Registered Nurse – GI Oncology Infusion
Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle
January 2023 – July 2024

  • Administered chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biologic therapies to up to 6 patients daily in high-acuity NCI-designated cancer center
  • Assessed treatment-related toxicities across young adult through geriatric populations and provided evidence-based symptom management education
  • Managed acute infusion reactions and established IV access via peripheral and central venous devices following ONS standards
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary care with supportive care teams, pharmacists, medical oncologists, and clinical research staff

Nursing Technician – Trauma Orthopedics
Harborview Medical Center, Seattle
May 2021 – May 2022

  • Provided high-quality inpatient care on a 26-bed trauma orthopedics floor, assisting with ambulation, hygiene, and wound care.
  • Performed nursing tasks such as glucose checks, vitals monitoring, drain care, and nutrition support within scope of practice.
  • Supported RNs during complex care, including traction and cervical collar care, while monitoring patient stability.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Seattle University, Seattle
Graduated summa cum laude, August 2023

Bachelor of Arts in Communications
University of Washington, Seattle
Graduated magna cum laude, December 2010

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • Registered Nurse, PA Department of Health, Exp. Oct 2027
  • AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers, Exp. January 2026
SKILLS

Clinical Research: GCP/ICH compliance, informed consent, patient screening/enrollment, adverse event reporting, regulatory documentation (IRB, amendments, deviations), source verification, audit preparation, IITs, industry-sponsored trials, NCTN Cooperative Group trials

Technical Systems: RAVE EDC, OnCore CTMS, Florence eBinders, Epic, Microsoft Excel (advanced)

Oncology Expertise: Head & Neck, Thoracic, Breast, GI malignancies | Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, cellular immunotherapies | Complex multi-drug regimens, high toxicity protocols

Patient Care: All age groups, multidisciplinary coordination, symptom management, patient education