Medical Specialist, LVN (27961,27986)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Medical Specialist is responsible for the evaluation of potential donors for plasmapheresis and for providing limited emergency care, including the administration of any medications or treatments in accordance with licensure or certification, training and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guidance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Determines new donor suitability and educates donors regarding the plasma donation process; obtains informed consent from donors; manages donor medical incidents; counsels unsuitable donors.
• Conducts confidential and effective interviews with donors to obtain necessary information. Performs medical histories and screening physical examinations for donors; assesses results of donor screening and laboratory tests to determine initial and continuing donor suitability. Examinations include but are not limited to eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, abdomen, extremities, and the neurological system. Completes forms and documents comments. Explains informed consent materials to donors. This includes explanation of procedures, hazards, and potential adverse events; provides clear opportunity for donor to refuse participation; obtains signature and date certifying informed consent.
• Handles emergencies at the plasma center by providing routine care as outlined in standard operating procedures (SOPs); contacts plasma center Physician or Medical Director for further instructions as needed; contacts emergency medical service/local hospital as needed; periodically checks emergency medical kit to assure supplies are present and in-date. Administers medication within scope of individual licensure.
• Reviews test results and determines continued donor suitability. Follows SOPs regarding acceptable ranges of SPE scans; maintains knowledge of and applies all rules regarding four-month approvals and grace periods. Assesses signs and symptoms a donor may exhibit that may contraindicate continued donation.
• Counsels donors of unsuitable test results. Provides donors with notification forms. Refers donors to community facilities for follow-up testing and counseling.
• Maintains confidentiality with respect to employee, donor and center records reviewed during the course of all duties.
• Understands and utilizes plasma center computer system.
• Maintains current professional licensure, certification, and current CPR certification.
• Maintains work environment in a clean and efficient manner. Follows all environmental health safety and OSHA policies and procedures.
• Maintains Medical Supervisory log and documents discussions of special situations with the plasma center physician on a regular basis.
• Evaluates problems and errors and implements appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

CUSTOMER INTERACTION/PROBLEM-SOLVING

Must maintain a high standard for conscientious, courteous, and enthusiastic service to internal and external customers, and the public in general. Must make customer's needs a high priority in face-to-face or telephone contact. Must consistently deliver service in a timely, accurate, professional, and friendly manner. Must maintain a standard of conduct that is supportive of mission and values. Demonstrates a high level of problem-solving skills.

COMPLEXITY

Work includes varied duties requiring numerous unrelated processes and methods or substantial depth of analysis in an administrative or professional field. There are major areas of interpretation and evaluation processes caused by continuing changes, technological developments, conflicting requirements, or unknown phenomena. Work requires the origination of establishing criteria, or developing new information. Occasionally, extensive analysis and probing are required to determine the nature and scope of problems, with concurrent or sequential activities involving others within or outside the organization.

NATURE AND EXTENT OF SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

Overall, objectives and resource allocations are determined by the supervisor, providing broad administrative direction, with assignments given in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Employee plans, designs and carries out projects or other work independently. Results are considered technically sound by virtue of the employee's expertise, and are generally accepted with review only for conformity to objectives, contribution to program goals, or advancement of technological understanding.