Infusionist - RN, Dr. Elizabeth Lyons, St Thomas West

SUMMARY: This position provides professional nursing care that entails coordinating treatments for patients, obtaining prior authorizations, filing specialty claims, and billing for medications. More specifically, the infusionist is responsible for starting the IV, setting up the medication administration, monitoring the patient through the duration of the infusion and taking down the IV at the end of the infusion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensure patient safety
• Maintain multiple infusion chair schedules while treating patients in a timely manner
• Establishes IV access for infusion patients
• Provides patient teaching and/or instruction of medication.
• Administers medication through IV and monitors patient throughout the infusion
• Proper and through documentation in patient’s chart.
• Collect, label and document lab specimens as needed.
• Ensure that patient chart entries are made accurately and in a timely manner; forward chart as appropriate.
• Contact grant program to order medications for the free drug program
• Pre-order medications to be infused the following week.
• Obtain (in advance) pre-certifications, PA’s and referrals when mandated by insurance company
• Checks reimbursement eligibility (in advance) for TransAct RX specialty medication program.
• Maintain adequate stock levels of medications and supplies.
• Set up and stock infusion room for daily use; keep room and equipment clean between infusions; keep cleaning schedules up to date
• Follow clinic policies for infection control in handling and disposing of infectious/hazardous waste materials.
• Keep physician informed of patient’s status and any issues that arise during the infusion.
• Obtain vital signs
• Administer medications—IM, SQ and intradermal injections
• Administer O2 when ordered by a physician
• Adhere to Quality Control Guidelines; monitoring medication refrigerator temperature, eye wash checklist, O2 checklist, AED checklist and autoclave checklist.
• Adhere to Customer Service Standards
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and sterilization process
• Perform other tasks as needed, in assistance of physician
• Must have predictable and consistent attendance

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Record health history of patients; note abnormal conditions for physician
• Complete charts and charge tickets; review and verify codes for physician charges
• Care for wounds; apply sterile dressings
• Schedule patients with physician
• Demonstrate knowledge of Occupational Medicine procedures including pre-employment physical exams, appropriate lab testing and treatment of work related injuries; knowledge of appropriate referral process
• Provide discharge instructions and reinforce physician’s instructions
• Prepare patient for procedures and obtain necessary consent forms
• Collect, label, document and track lab/ biopsy specimens
• Contact patient of test results, schedule surgery and referrals as required
• Knowledge of surgical instruments sorting/cleaning /sterilization
• Accuracy in labeling and photo of patient skin conditions and download to EMR
• Knowledge of phototherapy booth/treatment/log protocol as necessary

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current state license to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
• Possess a Degree, Diploma or Certificate of Completion from an accredited Medical Assistant training program, or have a minimum of 3years prior experience functioning as a Medical Assistant in a clinic/hospital setting, or completion of Medical Assistant type training in the armed services.
• CPR
• IV certification preferred.

• Knowledge of the principles and skills needed for nursing to provide limited patient care and treatment. Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures. Knowledge of medications and their effects on patients. Knowledge of patient education principles to develop a self-care program. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment. Skill in using various types if equipment for examination and treatment procedures. Knowledge of EKG’s. Skill in taking vital signs. Skill in maintaining records and writing reports.

• Skill in establishing and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public. Ability to maintain quality control standards. Ability to recognize problems and recommend solutions. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situation. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly. Computer knowledge helpful.

• Valid state RN or LPN license; CPR certification, IV certification preferred.

• Must be able to stand for 8 to 10 hours a day
• Requires regular walking, bending, pushing, pulling and lifting
• Must be able to lift at least 10-15lbs
• Must be able to assist patients with transfers from chair to wheelchair, to exam tables, and back to wheelchair/chair
• Must be able to assist patient with turning/positioning on exam table
• Must be able to push patient in wheelchair
• Must be able to manipulate objects—reaching, grasping, handling
• Must exhibit good communication skills—understand, respond and translate into action

• Clinical setting; exposure to communicable diseases, medical preparations and other conditions common to a clinical environment.