Establishing a research coordinator network: the birth of an idea.

Located throughout academic institutions, private hospitals, and clinic settings, clinical research nurse coordinators often practice outside the purview of institutional nursing departments yet must adhere to established nursing practice standards. Nursing administrators have a professional and legal responsibility to recognize the educational needs and competency requirements of these individuals and provide them with tools for their professional development. Establishing a network for clinical research nurse coordinators provides a forum for education, problem-solving, benchmarking performance, and camaraderie.