Field Apheresis Nurse

Bloodworks Northwest • Seattle, WA

6d

About The Position

The Field Apheresis Nurse provides specialized apheresis nursing services on a per diem basis across Bloodworks Bio partner sites, hospitals, sponsor locations, and mobile or remote clinical settings in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The role primarily supports leukapheresis and other collection programs for pharmaceutical companies, cell and gene therapy programs, clinical trials, research, and commercial therapy partners. The nurse may also provide coverage for BAT schedule gaps, including leukapheresis collections and therapeutic apheresis procedures. Assignments vary in duration, location, and schedule, and work availability depends on business demand; hours and continuous site placement are not guaranteed. The role may be considered for expansion to full-time status in the future, subject to sustained business needs and organizational approval.

Frequent regional air and ground travel is required. Scheduling may include variable shift lengths, on-call coverage, assignment-based hours, short-notice assignments, and cross-site coverage. When operationally feasible, gaps between assignments may allow return travel to the nurse’s home location. Travel-related expenses are reimbursed under Bloodworks’ travel and expense policy, and a travel premium applies to travel outside King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Substantial overtime may occur during active assignments. The nurse must be prepared to work extended or consecutive shifts and potentially at a different location during inclement weather or emergencies.

The nurse independently performs assigned apheresis collections and therapeutic procedures using the Terumo Spectra Optia Apheresis System, following applicable protocols, sponsor requirements, and Bloodworks policies. The role includes coordinating assignment logistics and clinical requirements, preparing off-site locations, assessing donors and patients, monitoring and documenting care, responding to complications and emergencies, and maintaining equipment, supplies, and compliant electronic records. Active RN licensure in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, or the ability to obtain and maintain the required licenses before assignments in each territory, is required.

The position involves direct responsibility for donors and patients and direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It requires frequent standing and close work, heavy lifting, and frequent regional travel. Access to some client facilities may require additional screening and clearance.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure; multi-state licensure or the ability to obtain licensure in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska within defined timelines is required.
• At least three years of apheresis nursing experience.
• Ability to independently perform the full range of apheresis collections and procedures on the Terumo Spectra Optia, including therapeutic plasma exchange, red blood cell exchange, leukapheresis, and therapeutic depletions.
• At least three years of acute care nursing experience, including phlebotomy, ICU/CCU, critical care, or dialysis experience.
• Willingness to accept short-notice assignments and cross-site coverage across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.
• Ability to work variable assignment-based schedules, including on-call coverage, extended or consecutive shifts, substantial overtime during active assignments, and scheduled holidays and weekends.
• Ability to travel frequently by air and ground across the assigned territories.
• Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, repetitive motions, pushing or pulling up to 400 pounds, and carrying up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to obtain additional client-facility access clearance when required.
• Ability to work in an environment involving direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting clinical trials, cell and gene therapy collections, or field/per diem nursing assignments.
• Candidates hired from outside the service area may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provide apheresis nursing coverage across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, including frequent travel among Bloodworks Bio sites, partner hospitals, sponsor locations, and assigned facilities.
• Support pharmaceutical partners, cell and gene therapy programs, clinical trials, research studies, and other collection programs with apheresis nursing expertise.
• Provide flexible coverage at hospital partner locations, in-house apheresis units, and mobile or off-site operations, and provide local BAT schedule coverage as needed.
• Coordinate with department leadership, the Medical Director or designee, and partner sponsors regarding travel, credentialing, and assignment-specific clinical requirements.
• Independently perform leukapheresis and other apheresis collections using the Terumo Spectra Optia Apheresis System in accordance with applicable protocols and requirements.
• Perform therapeutic plasma exchange, red blood cell exchange, leukapheresis, and therapeutic depletions as needed.
• Collaborate with department leadership to establish and equip off-site apheresis locations in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, standards, and organizational policies.
• Collect blood components from subjects enrolled in internal and external research studies.
• Plan procedures in advance, including coordination with the Medical Director or designee and communication with hospitals.
• Measure and assess vital signs and report variations to the Apheresis Provider On-Call.
• Perform venipuncture; collect, label, and deliver blood samples to the appropriate laboratory for processing.
• Recognize changes in clinical status, notify the Apheresis Provider On-Call and the patient’s provider of adverse events as needed, and evaluate care plans and tolerance of procedures.
• Review donor and patient medical problems, assess respiratory and cardiovascular status, anticipate complications with the Apheresis Provider On-Call, and notify the provider of complications.
• Explain procedures to donors and patients, provide empathetic support, and maintain a pleasant environment.
• Record nursing notes, laboratory values, and other donor- or patient-related information.
• Administer medications orally, subcutaneously, or intravenously when needed, and administer blood components as ordered.
• Identify transfusion reactions and follow the applicable reaction protocol.
• Administer oxygen using nasal prongs, a mask, or an Ambu bag; know the location of emergency medications; and assist medical providers and paramedics with emergency procedures.
• Use and care for A-V shunts and central venous catheters, including Quinton and Hickman catheters.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot department equipment; seek company or technical assistance and consult manuals when needed.
• Use point-of-care testing equipment in-house or at area hospitals.
• Screen potential donors for acceptability by reviewing medical history, medication records, laboratory results, and other relevant information; understand post-donation issues.
• Maintain effective working relationships and communicate with medical providers, laboratory personnel, peers, donors, patients, and family members; identify errors or problems and ask for help when needed.
• Order and stock supplies, maintain clean work areas and equipment, and intervene to maintain a safe environment.
• Create, modify, maintain, and transmit electronic records in a controlled, approved manner that conforms to FDA requirements.
• Maintain active RN licensure in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, or obtain and maintain required multi-state licensure before assignments in each territory.
• Comply with applicable Standard Operating Procedures and perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage available, for employees regularly scheduled for 24 or more hours per week.
• Retirement plans (401(a) and 401(b)).
• Consolidated paid leave program, with 4.8–6.8 weeks accrued per year based on length of service.
• Subsidized transit program.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Potential relocation assistance bonus for candidates hired from outside the service area, subject to conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level