Intrathecal Infusion Registered Nurse

Shepherd Center•Atlanta, GA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The intrathecal infusion RN meets the needs of patients with implanted intrathecal pump (ITP) devices through comprehensive patient assessments, nursing interventions, pump refills, dose adjustments, and patient education. This RN demonstrates professional leadership while providing nursing care under the direct supervision of the physician within the clinic setting. Care is reviewed and adapted accordingly to physician and patient goals. Responsible for all elements of the nursing process including assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes/planning, implementation, and evaluation. In addition to the primary job functions, this nurse also provides telephonic support and other nursing needs of the department. Acts as a resource for patients, caregivers, clinical staff, external case managers, and the overall healthcare team. Collaborates with the prescribing physician/APP, patient, and caregiver(s) to ensure orders for intrathecal therapy are appropriate and actionable. Performs job duties in a manner consistent with the American Nurses Association and all applicable State Board of Nursing standards. Successfully completes the assigned training program & associated competencies upon hire to include serial observations and return demonstrations. Promotes integrative care techniques to assist the patient with symptom management to improve quality of life and safety; maintains patient records in compliance with Shepherd Center policies as well as state and regulatory bodies. Monitors and updates EHR as well as manufacturer’s device portal for intrathecal pump therapy. Ensures close monitoring of all outpatients receiving ongoing intrathecal therapy, which includes scheduled pump refills, interrogations, and dosage adjustments as directed by the physician. ITP nurse will also round monthly across all inpatient, post acute, and outpatient areas to confirm uploads of our interrogators have occurred. Educates patients and caregivers and promotes informed decisions and integrative care to assist the patient with symptom management while collaborating with physician/APP to achieve overall goals of intrathecal drug therapy. Tailors' education to demonstrate age and cultural competence. Strong clinical background to demonstrate a mastery of standard protocols vs. urgent responses & interventions. Demonstrates ability to quickly assess and react to changes in patient conditions, signs and symptoms of overdose or withdrawal from intrathecal therapy. Recognizes other secondary complications of ITP therapy including medication adverse interactions, infection, catheter displacement, and other neurologic implications. BLS and ACLS certification required. Other job duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Current unrestricted RN licensure.
5+ years clinical nursing experience.
BSN or higher level of nursing education required.
Strong written, verbal, organizational, and teamwork skills.
Excellent customer service and critical thinking skills.
Ability to work independently and be resourceful.
Proactive problem solver.
Proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, and applications integrated in smartphones and tablets.
BLS and ACLS certification required.

Nice To Haves

Rehabilitation nursing experience
Critical care/IV therapy experience preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive patient assessments for patients with implanted intrathecal pump (ITP) devices.
Perform nursing interventions, pump refills, and dose adjustments.
Educate patients and caregivers on intrathecal therapy.
Provide nursing care under the direct supervision of a physician within the clinic setting.
Adapt care based on physician and patient goals.
Execute all elements of the nursing process: assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes/planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Provide telephonic support and address other nursing needs of the department.
Act as a resource for patients, caregivers, clinical staff, external case managers, and the healthcare team.
Collaborate with physicians/APPs, patients, and caregivers to ensure intrathecal therapy orders are appropriate.
Complete assigned training program and associated competencies.
Promote integrative care techniques for symptom management and quality of life.
Maintain patient records in compliance with policies and regulatory bodies.
Monitor and update EHR and manufacturer’s device portal for intrathecal pump therapy.
Monitor outpatients receiving intrathecal therapy, including scheduled pump refills, interrogations, and dosage adjustments.
Round monthly across inpatient, post-acute, and outpatient areas to confirm interrogator uploads.
Educate patients and caregivers to promote informed decisions and integrative care.
Tailor education to demonstrate age and cultural competence.
Demonstrate mastery of standard protocols versus urgent responses and interventions.
Quickly assess and react to changes in patient conditions, signs of overdose, or withdrawal.
Recognize secondary complications of ITP therapy (e.g., adverse interactions, infection, catheter displacement, neurologic implications).
Perform other job duties and special projects as assigned.