Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Rapidly and effectively evaluates poisoning emergencies and provides sound poison information and clinical toxicology consultation to the public, health care professionals and public health officials via telephone.

Qualifications

Current RN licensure in the State of Utah and three years full-time emergency and/or critical care experience or equivalency, or a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from an accredited school of pharmacy and eligibility for licensure or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); knowledge of human pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology and drug information; and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required.

Once hired, the Poison Information Specialist must obtain national certification as a Specialist in Poison Information by passing a certification examination within two exam administrations of his/her initial eligibility for certification. Eligibility for the exam requires licensure as a Pharmacist or Registered Nurse, working 2000 hours in a Poison Information Center and fielding 2000 poison exposure calls. The certification must be maintained through regular recertification.

Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a current Utah Pharmacists License or a Master’s degree in a nurse specialty preferred.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Provides verbal and written sound clinical information and management advice regarding emergency and informational telephone calls received at the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC).
2. Obtains pertinent and appropriate information from the caller in order to determine the seriousness of the poisoning incident and assess the caller's level of understanding/state of mind.
3. Based on the seriousness of the incident and the caller's level of cognition, determines whether the poisoning incident can be handled by the UPCC or whether the poisoning victim should be seen by a health care provider.
4. Answers inquiries with complete, concise and relevant recommendations for action in terms that are appropriate to the calling party's level of understanding/state of mind.
5. Initiates follow-up calls to assess patient status and alters management recommendations as appropriate.
6. Documents all calls and consultations on the UPCC's computerized Toxic Exposure Surveillance System medical record.
7. Investigates case history, researches medical literature and consults appropriate sources to provide informed and proper treatment and triage recommendations and develop protocols that are medically and economically appropriate.
8. Communicates with on-call staff concerning medical and toxicological-related issues.
9. Prepares information for and attends weekly case conference meetings, in-service sessions and staff meetings.
10. Participates in on-going quality assurance activities.
11. Participates in the Center's outreach education efforts.
12. May assist in orienting, training, instructing and/or supervising new staff and students (when certification is achieved).

Problem Solving

This position involves working with telephone callers in emergency situations. The ability to clearly and concisely communicate information to all callers in highly stressful situations is critical. The incumbent must be able to assess the circumstances of a poisoning situation and function effectively to manage life-threatening exposures.

Comments

This position also involves using computers, computer software and electronic references to investigate case history, conduct research and consult medical literature as required to develop poisoning incident protocols.

The Utah Poison Control Center operates 24 hours a day. Incumbents may be required to participate in a rotating shift schedule which includes night and weekends and/or may be required to take call.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.