Poison Information Specialist

• Receives telephone calls from the general public concerning poisoning victims as well as information requests; obtains and records pertinent information, analyzes potential toxicity, determines type and severity of exposure, and recommends management plan.
• Makes follow-up calls at appropriate intervals, determines if recommendations were followed and whether additional procedures are warranted, provides additional information and assesses the outcome of the exposure.
• Documents consultations including completion of the medical record, computer-coded or on-line data form, and appropriate research protocol forms.
• Pursues a program of professional development; participates in planning and presenting professional orientation, training and continuing education.
• Provides comprehensive state-of-the-art information to health professionals regarding anticipated clinical course, diagnostic approach, interpretation of laboratory results, and appropriate invasive, supportive and antidotal treatment recommendations.
• Enhances knowledge and skills through attendance at seminars/workshops and reviewing published literature.
• Serves as an information resource person for health professionals, regulatory agencies, industry, and the general public.
• Makes a significant contribution to several of the following poison center functions: resource maintenance, poison prevention educational programs, clinical research projects, scientific manuscript preparation, quality assurance and data collection activities, AAPCC projects and committees.
• Provides toxicology training (via direct supervision and on-line one-on-one teaching) of health professional students, residents and fellows.

Qualified candidates will hold:
• RN/BSN with at least 2 years of clinical experience, or one year of critical care or emergency medicine experience, or one year of prior experience in poison control.
OR
RPh/BSPharm with at least 2 years of clinical experience.
OR
PharmD (PharmD level pharmacists are not required to have clinical experience beyond the clinical experiences and didactic training required for the degree)

• AND:
Licensure as a registered nurse in DC (or current out-of-state licensure and evidence of application for DC nursing license),
OR
Licensure as a registered pharmacist in DC (or current out-of-state pharmacy licensure and evidence of application for DC pharmacy license),
OR
If new PharmD graduate (Doctor of Pharmacy degree awarded but individual does not have a pharmacy license), individual must successfully pass NAPLEX with 3 months of graduation and be licensed as a pharmacist in DC within 6 months of graduation.

• Once hired, must obtain certification as a “Certified Specialist in Poison Information” by the American Association of Poison Control Centers within two exam administrations following initial eligibility.

• Speed typing, basic computer, writing, editing and library research skills

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.