Specialist, Poison Information - Department of Emergency Medicine

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Specialist, Poison Information - Department of Emergency Medicine at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

The Specialist in Poison Information provides online and telephone consultation, evaluates possible poisoning, and recommends poison treatment information to the public, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Serves as a knowledge resource to the public and healthcare professionals. Reports to the Director, Poison Control Center.

Essential Functions

Respond to toxicological online and phone emergencies. Evaluate toxic hazards and initiate appropriate triage, management and referrals to appropriate resources. Document consultations.

Provide toxicological information, resources and assistance to the public, health professionals, civil authorities and the news media in the event of a chemical or environmental disaster. 

Provide healthcare professionals and the general public with information and guidance on toxidrome recognition, diagnostic tools, prognosis and medical management of the poisoned patient. 

Participate in ongoing management of toxicological problems by evaluating laboratory and clinical data through follow-up calls to patients or health care facilities and providing additional management advice, as appropriate.

Provide oversight and guidance to Poison Information Providers.

Participate in ongoing accredited training in toxicology. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:   Bachelor's degree

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, (Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred), ACPE accredited school pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy preferred) or medical school required.

Experience: (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

Registered nurse, registered pharmacist, physician’s assistant or physician (MD or DO) with two years clinical experience. License to practice in the state of Michigan. 

Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI) by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) or ability to obtain certification within two years of completing 2000 hours on the job and triaging 2000 calls. Recertification as required by the AAPCC.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

General knowledge of toxicology.

Effective verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with healthcare professionals, general public and patients under stressful conditions.  Interpersonal skills and tact to work with a variety of hospital personnel, patients, families and medical staff.

Analytical and clinical skills necessary to gather and interpret data from several sources in a timely accurate manner.

Must be able to work with and use both computers and a TDY telephone on a frequent basis.

H06 - School of Medicine

H0616 - Emergency Medicine

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

• Compensation type: Hourly Wage
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

Works in the Michigan Regional Poison Control Center, a 24 hr emergency call center. Requires long periods of sitting, utilizing a telephone headset and computer. Ability to maneuver through many software programs while viewing multiple monitors. Intact sense of sight, hearing and touch. Finger dexterity. Critical thinking skills and ability to concentrate in a fast-paced environment with numerous interruptions. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and call center conditions. Ability to work weekends, evenings, nights and holidays. May be required to work over time. Designated essential personnel – employees who are required to physically report to work or remain at work during an emergency or adjustment to the University’s operating status. Telecommuting opportunity with periodic travel to center’s call center.

• Number of openings: 5
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.