NURSES CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN PHARMA

Are you a nurse? This article may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

An RN with a BSN degree and clinical experience who is interested in career options outside the direct nursing profession may want to explore the field of pharmaceuticals. 

One major benefit of having nursing experience is the numerous and diverse jobs that are available. Although most nurses will practice in some type of patient care setting, there are a number of well-paid jobs that do not involve direct patient care.

The pharmaceutical industry (pharma) presents several options for nurses who are comfortable in a business environment and can apply their knowledge of healthcare and healthcare systems to support the objectives of a pharmaceutical company.

The pharmaceutical industry develops, tests, produces, markets drugs licensed for use as medications, and spends a large amount of money for advertising, marketing, and lobbying.  The sales people they employ, pharmaceutical representatives, market personally and directly to physicians and other healthcare providers.  A career in pharmaceutical research gives an RN an opportunity to combine pharmaceutical-related work with a more traditional nursing career, working with patients in clinical drug trials.

Find out main areas:

Pharmaceutical Sales – Collaborating with healthcare society:

A career in pharmaceutical sales allows an RN to combine his/her knowledge of pharmacology with an understanding of the healthcare system.  Representatives meet with pharmacists and physicians to make them aware of new drugs on the market and of new uses for existing drugs.  The representative will usually have a list of physicians, attempting to contact each one in person every few weeks.

Requirements for employment as a pharmaceutical representative include a bachelor’s degree (strongly recommended); the ability to travel to clients’ workplaces; strong communication skills; an in-depth understanding of complex health sciences such as biotechnology, pharmacology, and epidemiology; and strong negotiating and social skills.  A background in sales and marketing would also be helpful, but each company has a rigorous training program that will emphasize these important topics.  The majority of employers pay commission for any sale a representative closes, and many employers also pay a base salary.  The representative may also be compensated for additional expenses created on the job, depending on the employer.

Pharmaceutical Research:

                                                                        

A career in pharmaceutical research offers an RN the opportunity to maintain contact with patients through clinical trials.  When human subjects are used in the testing of drugs, they must be monitored when the drugs are administered and at specified intervals.  RNs are generally responsible for the ongoing monitoring process which consists of duties such as interviewing patients, recording vital signs, reviewing lab values, and documentation of the trial process.  They may also have the opportunity to become involved in other aspects of the clinical trial such as data analysis, selection and recruitment of research subjects, and possibly coordinating and overseeing the administration of trials under supervision of the principal investigator.  For the interested, experienced RN there is a certification examination available. Once passed, the RN will have a title of “Certified Clinical Research Professional”.

An RN interested in a career change to the pharmaceutical industry brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to a setting where they are respected as a professional; have opportunity for advancement; and have the chance to work autonomously, setting their own hours and schedule.

◄Research Nurse

Research nurses are the eyes, ears and hands that conduct much of today's clinical research. Working with the principal investigator and research coordinators, staff research nurses participate in clinical trials that evaluate new drugs and medical devices. They evaluate potential studies, screen and schedule patients, conduct patient visits according to protocols, review patient progress and help report study results.

These nurses typically work in academic medical centers, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies and private research foundations, but private-practice physicians are now also hiring research nurses.

 

Qualifications do Nurses Need to Work in Pharmaceutical Companies

Most pharmaceutical industry positions for nurses require at least a bachelors of science degree in nursing (BSN) and several years of experience. Nurse educators, professors, and researchers are a good fit for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses that specialize in a therapeutic area that the pharmaceutical or medical device company manufactures products for have a better chance of getting their foot in the door.

For example, a company that manufactures drugs for acute care will seek nurses that have worked in critical care or the emergency room. While a company that manufacturers surgical products may welcome nurses that have worked in surgery. Another important reason why these companies want nurses as part of their team is the relationships that they have with key thought leaders in their area of expertise.

After all, one major objective for pharmaceutical companies is building relationships with top influencers. Nurses that have the desired connections can find very comfortable and enjoyable roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Common Types of Jobs suitable  for Nurses at Pharmaceutical Companies:

Here are examples of pharmaceutical industry jobs for nurses. 

◄Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

MSLs positions have proliferated in the last several years. This role involves building relationships with key decision makers and educating healthcare providers about the latest research and treatment guidelines that impact use of the company's products. MSLs work closely with the sales and marketing teams to support the company's educational and product promotion efforts. This role involves giving one-one and group presentations. MSLs work from home and travel to meet with customers.

◄Clinical Research Associates (CRA)

Clinical research associates either work in the main research facility or work remotely in the field. Their main responsibility is to facilitate enrollment, data collection and provide site support for clinical trials. They give presentations, answer questions about the clinical trial, and help investigators solve problems that may impede enrollment or data collection. This role may involve travel. Nurses that have experience in research are a good fit for the CRA role.

HOW TO BECOME CRA:

READ HERE

GCP TRAINING:

READ HERE;

◄Medical Information& Medical education

● Medical Information is a great entry point into the pharmaceutical industry. Most companies tend to prefer PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) professionals for this department but nurses can thrive in this role. These professionals develop responses and answer questions from healthcare providers and patients about the company's products. This job requires good writing, verbal communication skills, and a passion for finding answers to questions.

●Patients Educators’ role is crucial for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis who often need help learning how to take and manage their many medications and life style.  For that reason, drug companies, including Berlex, Pfizer and Serono, are recruiting RNs to serve as patient educators, pioneering a new avenue for nurses who choose to practice in patients’ homes. Nurses  educators assist avoiding errors and dangerous interactions through patients’ education.
 At the same time, pharmaceutical makers maintain informed and save ways to keep patients on those medications to both ensure the drugs’ efficacy and maintain sales.

● Pharmaceutical, Medical Equipment and Supply Educators: These nurses educate the hospital staff members who will be using the endless stream of new medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals

● Telemedicine Nurses: Interacting with patients via phone or Internet, these nurses advise managed-care subscribers based on physician-developed protocols. Academic medical centers often employ nurses as research assistants to perform telephone consultations with patients participating in clinical trials.

◄Drug Safety (Pharmacovigilance)

This a popular department for nurses. Drug safety collects, evaluates, and looks for signals in adverse event reports about the company's products. They are involved in clinical trials safety reporting, post marketing safety reporting, and they work closely with regulatory personnel. This is also a great entry point into the Pharmaceutical industry.

◄Regulatory

This department ensures that all the company's promotional materials are within FDA guidelines. They work closely with the sales, marketing, medical and clinical research teams to ensure compliance with FDA rules and regulations that govern many aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. Additional courses and on-the-job training will be required for this role.

◄Sales

Many nurses start their career in the pharmaceutical industry via sales because they already have the customer relationships, understand the therapeutic area, and if they can learn the business aspects they will succeed in this role. There is a lot of travel involved in sales and you have to be comfortable with making cold calls.

What are Nursing Salaries in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Level of income is one of the key factor attracting nurses to search job opportunities in pharma industry.

The pharmaceutical industry typically pays more than clinical practice. Pay will vary depending your role, experience and responsibilities. After adding bonuses, stock options or grants, a car (MSL or sales positions), and other perks, nurses receive better compensation in the pharmaceutical industry.