Lead Clinical Specialist Rn

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for performing advanced clinical procedures under the direction of a licensed physician that may include therapeutic apheresis procedures, and/or stem cell, granulocyte and lymphocyte collections. This position utilizes clinical training to ensure that the apheresis treatment is appropriate, conducted appropriately and all relevant clinical developments are addressed and/or escalated to medical personnel. This position works autonomously in varied clinical settings and is expected to exercise sound clinical judgement in the provision of clinical apheresis procedures. This position will also be responsible for the clinical supervision of medical assistants who perform apheresis procedures in a clinical setting. This position will perform as the primary point of contact for ordering physicians in the planning of apheresis procedures while acting as a clinical consultant in order to assist the ordering physician in the establishment of a patient treatment plan.

• Assess patient status relative to therapeutic apheresis, prior and during procedures, utilizing nursing process. Patient assessment to include laboratory testing results and other clinically significant procedures.
• Adjusting inlet flow to compensate for citrate reactions, or recognizing a severe adverse reaction and initiating protocol such as pausing or terminating procedure immediately and calling code per hospital process.
• Performs all assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations. Brings compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Ensures that medical assistant staff performs clinical procedures in accordance with SOP’s and sound clinical practice.
• Performs all other duties, at the discretion of management, as assigned.
• Participates in quality assurance activities, as indicated.
• Perform apheresis procedures as needed in non-scheduled situations after hours, weekends, and holidays. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
• Anticipates and responds to unique clinical situations according to SOPs. And determines appropriate clinical care.
• Train clinical apheresis staff and assess their competence in the performance of apheresis procedures, and related procedures such as the use and care of central venous access devices.
• Is responsible for the receipt and processing of therapeutic orders from Physicians, arrangements for necessities of a procedure, such as ordering labs, fluids and materials, and assistance with the development, implementation, and evaluation of new and existing methodologies. Performs therapeutic apheresis procedures on patients under supervision of a licensed physician.
• Performs lymphocyte collections on donors according to SOPs.
• Performs granulocyte collections on donors according to SOPs.
• Participates in department research projects, trials and data gathering.
• Performs any new apheresis procedure approved for clinical use, as required.
• Coordinate closely with physicians and nurses at a variety of hospitals to arrange therapeutic apheresis treatments and facilitate coordinated care. Evaluate patient medication for compatibility and safety of apheresis procedure and determine when to contact the physician.
• Performs stem cell collections on donors or patients according to SOPs.
• Function, as needed as the subject matter expert and explain, as needed, clinical apheresis procedures to patients and their family and other attending healthcare professionals.
• Assures quality customer service to all customers.
• Recognizing adverse reactions and managing the procedure in response.
• Is responsible for the receipt and processing of collection orders from Physicians, National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), hospital transfusion services, and the administration of drugs, and donor evaluation for the collection and mobilization regimens.
  • Performs stem cell collections on donors or patients according to SOPs.
  • Performs granulocyte collections on donors according to SOPs.
  • Performs lymphocyte collections on donors according to SOPs.
• Maintains accurate, complete and legible records following the principles of current Good Clinical Practices and related Clinical Practices policies and procedures of the institutions where the procedures are performed.

Knowledge/Education

• Knowledge of rationale and techniques relating to assigned duties required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Associate’s degree required.

Licenses/ Certifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Current CPR certification preferred.
• RN license in state of practice required.

Experience

• Phlebotomy experience required.
• 2 years of previous hospital experience (medical/surgical or critical care nursing) or related experience required.
• Previous dialysis or apheresis experience preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Must be able to understand, follow, and give precise written and verbal instructions, and perform all activities safely.
• Ability to work in a team environment and participate as an active team member.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess the skills and abilities to successfully perform all assigned duties and responsibilities autonomously, requiring sound clinical judgement and application of advanced clinical knowledge.
• Must be able to work flexible shifts.
• Able to organize, prioritize, and execute a variable workload and multiple priorities.