Apheresis Registered Nurse - RN

About the Role

The Apheresis RN spends 80% or more of their time providing Apheresis treatments and direct patient care in accordance with company policies and procedures, including FMCNA compliance programs and contracted hospitals’ policies. Areas of practice include therapeutic plasma exchange, RBC exchange and depletion, PLT and WBC depletions, PBSC and WBC collections, Photopheresis, and LDL apheresis. The Apheresis RN partners with hospitals or outpatient facilities to deliver quality care and a positive patient experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care in multiple apheresis modalities, including therapeutic plasma exchange, RBC exchange or depletion, WBC and PLT depletions, PBSC and WBC collections, Photopheresis, LDL apheresis, and therapeutic phlebotomy.
• Perform scheduled, unscheduled, and emergency Apheresis treatments and other extracorporeal therapies in assigned hospitals or outpatient locations, establishing priority of care.
• Initiate, monitor, and discontinue prescribed treatments and medications according to established policies and procedures.
• Assess patients’ responses to therapeutic apheresis and adjust treatment plans as indicated by a credentialed physician.
• Communicate concerns or problems to the Inpatient Program Manager, physicians, and hospital staff.
• Assess patients pre-, during, and post-treatment to detect complications and notify appropriate personnel.
• Implement, administer, monitor, and document patient responses to prescribed treatments, including adverse reactions.
• Deliver safe, effective care in a timely and efficient manner, reporting unusual incidents or complaints.
• Accurately document treatment information in patient records and hospital records as needed.
• Complete training programs to deliver specific patient care across diverse patient populations.
• Utilize principles of growth and development to assess patient status and recommend care plans.
• Implement physician’s orders and ensure patient confidentiality.
• Assist in patient evacuation during emergencies, fires, or disasters.
• Maintain and clean apheresis equipment, chairs, and surrounding areas between treatments.
• Prepare for apheresis treatments, set up, monitor, and discontinue equipment use according to standard procedures.
• Assist with inventory control, manage supply inventory efficiently, and document inventory changes.
• Perform pre-treatment apheresis machine alarm testing and equipment maintenance.
• Operate and troubleshoot related equipment safely, minimizing supply waste.
• Conduct and document apheresis machine safety tests, equipment calibration, and disinfection.
• Maintain a safe, neat, and adequately stocked supply and equipment area.
• Report equipment and supply problems to repair personnel.
• Complete and document participation in QAI activities and report adverse events as required.
• Act as a resource for other staff members and participate in staff meetings and continuing education.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, supervisors, hospital staff, coworkers, patients, and families.
• Provide patient and family education specific to individual needs.
• Maintain positive working relationships with company and hospital staff.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and applicable policies, laws, and regulations.
• Travel outside the regional area as necessary to cover patient treatments.
• Participate in on-call rotations, including nights, days, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• Current appropriate state RN licensure.
• Must meet practice requirements in the state of employment.
• Certification in Apheresis Nursing is highly encouraged.
• Peripheral vein cannulation abilities preferred.
• One year of RN experience required.
• One year of Apheresis or ICU/CCU/ED experience preferred.
• Demonstrated strong assessment skills related to critically ill patients.
• Successful completion of competency training in Therapeutic Apheresis and related procedures.
• BLS CPR certification required; ACLS CPR certification preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Competency in completing continuing and ongoing apheresis education.
• Leadership skills and ability to direct and supervise others.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The role requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. The position involves on-call rotation, including nights, days, weekends, and holidays. The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels. There may be potential exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. The role involves direct patient care, including heavy lifting and moving of patients or equipment greater than 200 lbs with mechanical assistance.