Clinical Services Nurse Specialist

American Red Cross•Dedham, MA

About The Position

The Clinical Services Nurse Specialist provides one-on-one patient care in therapeutic apheresis, working collaboratively with physicians and serving as a liaison between physicians and patients. The role travels to different hospitals and Red Cross sites, including Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, and may include other locations. Procedures include plasma exchange, red cell exchange, leukapheresis, stem cell harvests, photopheresis, therapeutic phlebotomies, platelet reductions, and white blood cell depletion. The American Red Cross provides all necessary training, and no apheresis experience is required. The nurse performs apheresis procedures in varied settings, including critical care, emergency rooms, and outpatient centers. The position has a variable first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with rotating on-call responsibilities. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.

Requirements

Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Current CPR certification.
Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and work experience.
Two years of experience in medical/surgical or critical care nursing, or related experience.
Good vein selection and venipuncture skills.
Good verbal communication skills and ability to discuss procedures and medical issues effectively with patients, families, and physicians.
Current valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Must meet the employer’s COVID-19 vaccination condition of employment, unless an exemption is approved.

Nice To Haves

Previous apheresis or dialysis experience is beneficial but not required.
Customer service experience, effective verbal communication, and public relations skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform therapeutic apheresis procedures autonomously in critical care, emergency room, and freestanding outpatient settings.
Perform venipunctures and access central venous catheters, Vortex ports, and Bard ports.
Perform all phases of therapeutic apheresis, including plasma exchange, red cell exchange, platelet and white cell reduction, photopheresis, and hematopoietic progenitor cell collection.
Provide safe and appropriate patient care and explain procedures to patients, family members, and attending healthcare professionals as needed.
Act as a consultant to external healthcare personnel regarding clinical apheresis.
Assess patient status before and during procedures using the nursing process, laboratory results, and other clinically significant information.
Coordinate with physicians and nurses at hospitals to arrange treatments and facilitate coordinated care.
Evaluate medications for compatibility and safety during apheresis and determine when physician consultation is needed.
Assemble, restock, quality-check, and maintain supplies and equipment to support a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
Travel to hospitals and Red Cross sites to provide care.