OPAT Registered Nurse (MCP)

Medical University of South Carolina

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) Registered Nurse is responsible for coordinating and managing patients receiving intravenous antimicrobial therapy in the outpatient setting. This role serves as the primary clinical coordinator between patients, infectious disease providers, infusion services, home health agencies, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to ensure safe, effective, and timely delivery of care. The OPAT RN provides clinical assessment, patient education, care coordination, monitoring of treatment plans, and proactive management of therapy-related complications while promoting quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience.
Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Experience in Infectious Disease, infusion therapy, care management, ambulatory care, hospital medicine, or case management preferred.
Strong knowledge of IV antimicrobial therapy and vascular access devices.
Certification in Ambulatory Care Nursing (AMB-BC), Infusion Nursing (CRNI), or Case Management (CCM).
Experience managing OPAT patients.
Knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship principles.
Experience with quality improvement initiatives and population health management

Responsibilities

Coordinate all aspects of outpatient antimicrobial therapy for patients discharged from hospitals or referred to the Infectious Disease practice.
Manage patient enrollment into the OPAT program and ensure all required documentation is completed.
Collaborate with infectious disease physicians and advanced practice providers to develop and implement treatment plans.
Coordinate services with infusion centers, home infusion pharmacies, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient laboratories.
Facilitate transitions of care from inpatient to outpatient settings.
Monitor patients receiving IV antimicrobial therapy through regular assessment and follow-up.
Review laboratory results according to established protocols and provider orders.
Identify abnormal findings, potential adverse drug reactions, line complications, and signs of treatment failure.
Escalate clinical concerns appropriately to providers.
Ensure timely adjustments to treatment plans based on laboratory results and provider recommendations.
Provide comprehensive education regarding antimicrobial therapy, central line care, infection prevention, medication administration, potential side effects and complications, and follow-up appointments and laboratory schedules.
Conduct telephone triage and patient assessments.
Address patient questions and concerns.
Promote adherence to treatment plans and follow-up recommendations.
Schedule and coordinate laboratory monitoring.
Ensure completion of required follow-up appointments.
Facilitate communication among all members of the healthcare team.
Obtain and communicate hospital discharge information and treatment updates.
Assist with prior authorizations and payer requirements when needed.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Track quality indicators and patient outcomes for the OPAT program.
Support infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
Participate in process improvement and accreditation activities.
Ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.
Maintain OPAT patient registry and tracking tools.
Monitor treatment completion rates and follow-up compliance.
Assist with development of program reports and performance metrics.
Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews.