Pediatric Research Unit
The Pediatric Research Unit a welcoming, controlled environment for pediatric research participants and their families. Conveniently located on the Sky Lobby of the Children’s Pavilion, we support a wide variety of research studies and are interested in exploring new collaborations. By providing dedicated staff and space for research, we hope to increase patients’ access to research, ask and answer critical research questions, and improve care for kids. Our efforts to support and expand research are in alignment with the One VCU Research Initiative.
Services
- Appointment scheduling
- RN services including, vital signs, anthropometric measurements, ECGs, medication administration via numerous routes, IV infusions, monitoring, assessments, blood draws via venipuncture or central lines, EHR documentation and other services as needed
- Specimen collection
- Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics lab collection
- Collaboration with investigational pharmacy to administer investigational drugs, including Phase I drugs, chemotherapies, immunotherapies and biologics
- Mobile nursing to support research throughout inpatient and outpatient locations
- Note: The PRU follows VCU Health System’s standard clinical research fee schedule.
Staffing
The PRU is staffed by a full-time registered nurse who is Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified, chemotherapy/biotherapy certified through the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, and maintains CITI and GCP training.
Resources
- Secure unit
- 3 private outpatient exam rooms, each with Stryker stretchers for increased comfort for longer visits, wall-mounted vital sign monitor (portable option also available) plus otoscope and ophthalmoscope, IV pole/pump, computer workstation, phone, medication barcode scanner, cable TV and seating for family members
- Child friendly décor
- Point of care testing (Accu-chek)
- Emergency equipment and supplies
- Patient food refrigerator/freezer (temperature monitored by Viewpoint)
- Study supply refrigerator/freezer (temperature monitored by Viewpoint)
- Filtered ice/water machine
- Secured medication storage room
- Access to medications in Pyxis machine
- Waiting/registration area located on Sky Lobby
- Clean supply room for supplemental clinical supplies
- Clean equipment storage room
- Soiled utility room, including hazardous waste disposal
- Team workstation with computers, printer and shred-box for protected health information
- Inspection/maintenance of all hospital equipment is managed by VCU Health Clinical Engineering team
Location and hours
Children’s Pavilion – Level 1, Sky Lobby
Room 1-110
Phone: (804) 628-9747
Fax: (804) 628-5808
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
