Specialist of Poison Information Nurse or Pharmacist

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A Brief Overview

The Center for Public Health Readiness and Response (CPRR) promotes health and reduces harm related to public health threats for CHOP employees, patients, and our community by providing creative and reliable access to public health information when it's needed most. The CPRR is home to the region's Poison Control Center (PCC). PCCs offer free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, provided by pharmacists, nurses, and physicians. On average, the PCC receives 200 calls each day. Through consultation, the this role provides logical and concise evaluations of potential poisonings and treatment recommendations to the lay public and/or health care professionals, utilizing standard poison information resources. This is a pre-certified position and requires one to undergo extensive training in preparation for advancement. Usually operates under general guidance and direction. Shifts needed are days, evenings, and nights, 7 days per week. Weekends and holidays are rotating.

What You Will Do

• Call and Case Management
• Obtain a complete and accurate exposure history and effectively triage human poisoning exposures reported from the public and health care professionals.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the center's electronic health record and accurately document all required information for each telephone consultation
• Adhere to documentation standards as outlined by both the department and America's Poison Centers.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability in staffing a 24/7 emergency help line.
• Develop and maintain a basic understanding of the principles of managing toxicological emergencies.
• Adhere to current departmental protocols.
• Customer Service and Professionalism
• Maintain a courteous, reassuring, and helpful manner during interactions with callers.
• Adopt an "employee first" or "patient first" mindset, ensuring that communication conveys readiness to help.
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations as applicable to departmental standards.
• Attempt to provide individuals with action-oriented resources for all cases.
• Disengage politely from calls, particularly those who are seeking information not applicable to the services of the CPRR.
• Role model professionalism and teamwork in all interactions.
• Serve as a resource for peers within the department.
• Ensure that care incorporates professional standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Professional Development
• Attend and participate in learning opportunities, such as departmental staff meetings, case conferences, grand rounds, and external offerings.
• Actively participate in one of the CPRR department committees and completes assigned projects as assigned to committee members.
• Work towards becoming a Certified Specialist of Poison Information (CSPI).
• Participates in on-going continuing education as it relates to poisonings.
• Resource Management
• Assist with team projects/assignments to help improve contact center workflow and quality of services.
• Provide surge preparation and coverage when needed and available.
• Participate in promoting quality, efficient, and cost-effective care.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations.
• Manage one's own time to accomplish direct/indirect care in a cost-efficient manner.

Education Qualifications

• Technical Diploma in Nursing or Pharmacy Required
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or Pharmacy Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• At least one (1) year of poison control or information experience Preferred or
• At least one (1) year of clinical related experience in a hospital setting Preferred
• Previous telephone triage experience Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency with office software (Microsoft) including spreadsheet software (Excel)
• Intermediate knowledge medical terminology and diagnostics, therapeutic calculations, and comprehension of basic pharmacology preferred (Preferred proficiency)
• Intermediate knowledge of relational databases
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Strong critical thinking / problem-solving skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong analytic skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to gather, analyze and make recommendations/decisions based on best practices
• Ability to convey complex or technical information in an easy-to-understand manner
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to change

Licenses and Certifications

• Licensed Pharmacist (Pennsylvania) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - within 3 months - Required or
• Registered Nurse (Pennsylvania) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - within 3 months - Required
• Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI) - American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) - - Preferred

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine.

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly. At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.