Pediatric Research Unit

The Pediatric Research Unit is 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 align 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 our inpatient and outpatient locations
• Note: The PRU follows the standard VCU Health clinical research fee schedule

Resources

• Three private outpatient exam rooms with wall-mounted vital sign monitors (portable option also available) plus otoscope and ophthalmoscope, IV & syringe pumps for infusions and medication barcode scanner
• Point of care testing (Accu-Chek and urine hCG)
• Emergency equipment and supplies
• Secured medication storage room
• Access to medications in Pyxis machine
• Study supply refrigerator/freezer (temperature monitored by Viewpoint)
• Patient food refrigerator/freezer (temperature monitored by Viewpoint)
• Filtered ice/water machine and snacks for participants
• Clean supply room for supplemental clinical supplies
• Soiled utility room, including hazardous waste disposal
• Team workstation with computers, printer and phones
• Inspection/maintenance of all hospital equipment managed by VCU Health Clinical Engineering
• Child-friendly decor and activities, with cable television and seating for family members

Location and hours

Children’s Pavilion
Level 1 – Sky Lobby, room 1-110
1000 E. Broad Street, Richmond VA 23219
Phone: (804) 628-9747
Fax: (804) 628-5808
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meet the team

The PRU is staffed by a full-time pediatric RN who is Pediatric Advanced Life Support certified, and chemotherapy/biotherapy certified through the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses.

Megan Beatley, BSN, RN, CPHONPediatric nurse research coordinatorPediatric Research Unit
megan.beatley@vcuhealth.org
804-628-9747

A PRN nurse, with years of pediatric experience from NICU to young adults, also supports research visits. Our nurses maintain CITI and GCP training.

Internal resources

*Note: You must be logged in to the VCU Health Intranet to access these links.

• Additional information about clinical research can be found on the clinical research intranet page.
• To schedule an appointment, see the instructional document on the clinic research intranet page.