Intrathecal Infusion Registered Nurse

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 (rehabilitation nursing experience and/or critical care/IV therapy experience preferred).  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 to be resourceful; Proactive problem solver.

Proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, and applications integrated in smartphones and tablets.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, see, hear; use hands and fingers regularly, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.