GUMC Nurses Establish the International Association for Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN)

June 22, 2009

The International Association for Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN) is making its debut at GUMC. Shaunagh Brownings, nurse manager at the General Clinic Research Center (GCRC), is a founding member of the first non-profit, professional nursing organization created specifically for clinical research nurses.

Brownings, who has been working with six colleagues to develop IACRN, says the organization will support all clinical research nurses in academic and industry settings; and will not be solely dedicated to the world of NIH-funded environments.

“We believe professional standards and best practices need to be established for all clinical research nurses so a high standard is maintained to ensure quality research projects, high ethical standards, regulatory compliance and human subjects’ protection,” said Brownings. “This has been such an incredible project and it feels good to finally be taking off with the help of my colleagues.” Brownings’ colleagues include founding members of the IACRN from the following institutions:

  • University of California, Davis
  • Children’s Hospital of Boston
  • Emory University Hospital
  • University of Texas, Houston
  • Oregon Health Sciences University
  • University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics


IACRN has the support of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and in a few years will establish a certification for this nursing specialty. IACRN will host its first annual meeting in Boston, MA this October.

Submit your news at any time to the GUMC Office of Communications at gumccomm@georgetown.edu.



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