Allergy Laboratory Nurse

A nonexempt position responsible for day-to-day operation of the Allergy Laboratory, this includes skin testing, administering allergy injections and preparation of allergy vaccines, other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Promote team ethics and professionalism.
• Administer skin tests to patients as ordered by physician.
• Administer allergy injections to patients as ordered by the physician and record in Allergy Lab System.
• Explain procedures and treatments in a calm, professional, pleasant manner to patient to gain cooperation and understanding.
• Responsible for the safety and comfort of the patient.
• Observe patient, record significant conditions and reactions.
• Notify Allergy Laboratory Supervisor/Manager and/or provider of any adverse reactions to skin testing or allergy injections.
• Enter vaccine orders into Allergy Lab System for making new vaccine.
• Prepare individual patient vaccine as ordered by the provider.
• Conduct immunotherapy instruction, home immunotherapy instruction, and epinephrine administration instruction, as needed.
• Prepare extract solution for testing and verify expiration dates.
• Document phone conversations recording pertinent patient information.
• Respond to critical patient incidents using nursing standards, policies, procedures.
• Maintain skin test rooms, injection rooms and extract lab in an orderly manner.
• Other duties as assigned by Allergy Laboratory Supervisor/Manager.
• Assist with care and maintenance of departmental equipment and supplies.
• Fulfill organizational responsibilities as assigned including respecting/promoting patient rights and sharing problems relating to patients and/or staff with immediate supervisor.
• Attend and participate in team and departmental meetings.
• Maintain strictest confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and Richmond Allergy and Asthma Specialists confidentiality policy.
• Represents Richmond Allergy and Asthma Specialists in a positive and professional manner.

Education: Current Registered Nurse License or Licensed Practical Nurse License, current CPR certification.

Experience: One year of experience in family, pediatric or internal medicine private practice.

Other Requirements: None.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of nursing processes.
• Knowledge of healthcare technology, equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of chart/medical record documentation requirements and federal/state laws related to release of health care information.
• Knowledge of business office procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of computerized scheduling systems.
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Skills:

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and pleasant working relationships with staff, patients, and the general public.
• Skill in using computers and computer systems (hardware and software).

Abilities:

• Ability to project a pleasant and professional image.
• Ability to communicate appropriately, both orally and written.
• Prevent, calm, or defuse irate patients by working with them to identify issues and concerns.
• Ability to interpret and respond appropriately to instructions.
• Ability to deal calmly with emergency situations.
• Ability to be reliable, responsible, and dependable to fulfill obligations.
• Ability to be flexible and manage change.

Equipment Operated: Standard nursing equipment and supplies including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, etc. Standard office equipment including computers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment: Medical office environment. Involves frequent contact with staff and patients. Exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions related to clinic setting.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Involves sitting for extended periods of time; walking, standing, bending, reaching and stooping. Periodic need to lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds. Requires full range of motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Requires visual acuity and color perception and hearing to normal range. Stress can be triggered by multiple staff and patient demands as well as working in a noisy environment.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences. This job description is subject to change at any time due to changes in regulations, policies and/or departmental procedures.