Apheresis Specialist-LPN

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

Performs functions related to the collection of human blood and apheresis donors, component preparation, and hemotherapy. Conducts quality control of solutions and equipment and supports quality assessment through audits, chart reviews, and reports. Instructs students and new personnel, performs related administrative duties, protects donor and patient confidentiality, and may lead fixed-site or mobile collection functions. Oversees donor-reaction care, responds to emergencies, and ensures reaction documentation and follow-up are completed. Provides skilled nursing care to donors and patients, recognizes changes in their conditions, and performs procedures according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). The role includes documentation, equipment setup and maintenance, supply management, quality-control and preventive-maintenance activities, customer service, and compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and accreditation standards. Work is performed in a patient-care environment with potential exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, hazardous medications, and hazardous waste. The position requires a flexible schedule, including possible 24/7, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability, and travel throughout and between facilities.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of Practical Nursing.
Five years of apheresis experience.
Experience performing blood pressure, temperature, pulse, hemoglobin, and hematocrit determinations according to SOPs.
Current Louisiana LPN licensure.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard use.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to individuals at varying levels.
Good judgment in performing duties and resolving conflicts.
Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, geology, chemistry, mathematics, hematology, and blood banking.
Ability to meet medium-work physical demands, including occasionally exerting 20–50 pounds of force, frequently exerting 10–25 pounds, and constantly exerting up to 10 pounds to move objects.
Ability to stoop, bend, reach, grasp, use manual dexterity, stand for prolonged periods, and travel throughout and between facilities.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including possible 24/7, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability.
Ability to work with potential occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, hazardous medications, or hazardous waste.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled nursing care to donors and patients and recognize changes in their conditions.
Perform donor and patient procedures according to SOPs.
Collect human blood and apheresis donations, prepare components, and perform hemotherapy-related functions.
Perform quality control of solutions and equipment, quality-assessment audits, chart reviews, and QA reports.
Oversee donor-reaction care, handle emergency reactions, and ensure required documentation and follow-up are completed.
Instruct students and new personnel and perform related administrative duties.
Assume team-leader responsibilities overseeing fixed-site or mobile collection functions as needed.
Complete assigned tasks within agreed time frames and organize work so team members can follow and trace work steps.
Complete all necessary documentation and maintain donor and patient confidentiality.
Maintain adequate supplies and assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and maintenance.
Maintain awareness of and comply with applicable AABB, FDA, CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements.
Accurately perform and document assigned quality-control and preventive-maintenance tasks according to SOPs and schedules.
Explain procedures to customers and adapt communication and service to the patient population, including respecting privacy and requesting permission.
Complete annual competency requirements and education assignments.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.
Report known or suspected unethical conduct and patient, employee, privacy, safety, or other compliance-related concerns.