UnityPoint Health

Sioux City

Fulltime

Provides information to the general public and health care professionals regarding poison exposure within the scope and defined limits of their position.  Accountable for providing poison information, telephone management advice and consultation about toxic exposures to the general public and health care providers; making follow-up calls, and entering information into the computerized data collections system.

• Provides immediate assessment, treatment and follow-up advice to general public and health care providers regarding poisonings.
• Triages calls according to severity and formulates management plan utilizing patient history and other data available with speed and accuracy.
• Acts consistently with all IPCC policies, procedures and case management
• Researches and provides answers to questions relevant to clinical toxicology by utilizing a variety of information resources. This includes use of computerized databases, texts, consultants, primary medical literature and other references.
• Record appropriate data utilizing computerized data collection system maintaining standards of the National Poison Data System.
• Participate in quality assurance activities.
• Conduct follow-up calls according to established IPCC guidelines.
• Other duties as directed by the IPCC Directors.

Additional Responsibilities for Certified Specialists in Poison Information (CSPI):

• Perform above duties required of Specialist in Poison Information (SPI).
• Conduct daily peer case review using the IPCC quality assurance guidelines.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new staff.
• Perform preceptor duties for students and residents.
• Assist in writing articles for Hotline (monthly e-newsletter), submitting topics for website, and other activities as directed by the Education Coordinator.

Education:

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing with a BA, BS, or BSN Degree

Experience:

• Prior experience in critical care or emergency department (min 3-5 yrs)
• Evidence of personal and professional growth through continuing education

Licenses:

• Current nursing license from the State of Iowa; BLS provider

Other:

• Ability to work in a demanding environment
• After meeting eligibility requirements (handling 2,000 human exposure calls and employed by a poison center for at least one year), SPI is required to become a Certified Specialist in Poison Information (successfully completing certification examination administered by the American Association of Poison Control Centers)