RN Poison Information Specialist

Position Summary

This position is responsible for care and triage of poison exposures received via a 24-hour emergency telephone line. The incumbent triages and provides accurate and complete management information directly to the public, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, emergency medical personnel, and other health care providers. When a poison exposure has occurred, makes a toxicological assessment, recommends a treatment plan, and provides necessary documentation and follow up to ensure a positive outcome. This position also provides education to the public and other health professionals, participates in continuous quality improvement projects and serves as a liaison and resource between the Poison Center and pre-hospital caregivers and other health care providers.

Core Functions

• Counsels and educates the public and other health professionals regarding poison prevention and treatment.
• Documents and codes all calls using an on-line data collection system following the coding requirements of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).
• Participates in interdisciplinary healthcare teams to facilitate the integration of managed care concepts within the daily practice standards.
• Serves as a resource to other staff members and promotes a collegiality between staff physicians and leaders.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Arizona (or compact state) required.
• Minimum three to five years of recent clinical experience required; previous experience in a Critical Care Unit, Emergency Department and/or prior Poison Information Center experience.
• May require American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) certification within 5 years of hire. Must re-certify on the required schedule of every seven years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Professional certification preferred.
• Additional related toxicology education and/or experience preferred.