Apheresis Nurse -Leukopak Site Operations Lead

Do you want to be part of an organization that is making a difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide? If so, we want to hear from you!

This position is based on site at our facility in Springfield, Mo.

QPS’ Story:

Since its inception, QPS has been assisting pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies with their drug development efforts by providing a full range of Neuropharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, Bioanalysis, Translational Medicine, Early Phase Clinical and Phase II – IV Clinical Research services. To meet the needs of our clients, we strive to employ talented, caring and committed individuals who will work collaboratively towards achieving our mission of improving human health and the quality of life.

Team members enjoy challenging and rewarding work, and are encouraged achieve their best. Underpinning the operation is a culture that values diversity, innovation, accountability, team work and a friendly atmosphere where performance is recognized and rewarded. We provide unique company benefits, training, and advancement opportunities. Most importantly, we value each of our team members as employees and as individuals.

If this sounds like your ideal work environment, then we would love to speak with you, so apply today!

Please visit our website (www.qps.com) for more information and to see all current openings.

The Job

Essential Functions

Onsite Donor Center Leadership (Nursing and Operations staff)

• Experienced leader and motivator of clinical and non-clinical staff including day to day supervision, employee relations and staff development.
• Works with executive management and local site management at the site to identify and fulfill donor room staffing and subject recruitment needs to perform research studies in accordance with protocol requirements.
• Drive departmental and operational strategies and plans, defining and executing on implementation plans for Leukopak collection and cryopreservation systems.
• Create and execute project plans for collection center readiness.
• Be an expert on the Leukopak and Cell Biology market.
• Primary communications lead, communicating internally and externally in effective and timely ways.
• Organize and coordinate Leukopaks collection and cryopreservation processes and training.
• Responsible for day-to-day supervision of donor room staff including Registered Nurses and apheresis techs/ phlebotomists.
• Problem solver with the ability to work collaboratively with medical staff and act as the go-between for the physician and the patient/donor.
• Review all patient/donor information and product data.
• Identify abnormal values and initiate follow up.
• Document all patient care activities and capabilities to maintain change control processes and accurate records.
• Educate patients and their families when applicable about the apheresis process and answer any questions they may have.
• Communicate project status, deliverables, and risks to cross-functional teams.

Direct Onsite Donor Monitoring Procedures

• Oversee the clinic to ensure that excellent patient care with optimal patient outcomes is provided and is of vital importance.
• Provide 1-on-1 care to patient donors going through the Apheresis process.
• Assess and monitor patients during apheresis procedures, including vital signs, fluid balance, and overall well-being. Recognize and treat reactions according to standard of care and under the direction of the Medical Director.
• Ensure correct collection, packaging, cryopreservation, and storage of Leukopaks in accordance with FDA regulations.
• Provide technical oversight and support for leukapheresis and cryopreservation.
• Process donor blood specimens for analysis to include CBC, cell count and viability, etc. Provide training to staff on blood testing procedures.
• Schedules donor room staff and coordinates with donor recruitment staff on scheduling of donors for prescreening activities and product collection schedules.
• Serves as a resource to donor room staff related to technical aspects of blood product collection and compliance with protocols.
• Monitor apheresis equipment and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
• Support activities related to cell product donations, processing, and storage.
• Perform Apheresis procedures autonomously in freestanding outpatient centers.
• Perform venipunctures, access central venous catheters, and access vortex and bard ports.
• Responsible for communicating positive IDT results to participants.
• Administer medications as needed during apheresis procedures.
• Perform apheresis procedures using specialized equipment,
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to apheresis nursing as well as validation efforts of equipment specifically Optia.

Safety, Regulatory & Compliance

• Manage issues, risks, and recalls related to leukapheresis and cryopreservation.
• Supporting activities related to procuring cell product donations, processing, and storage, including but not limited to, apheresis collection, labeling, sampling, storage and packing for shipping.
• Maintain donor confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Stay updated on industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot any building deficiencies needed to maintain compliance with regulatory bodies, Including the FDA.
• Ensure that all procedures and equipment are in compliance with company standards and regulations.
• Coordinate GxP training and support documentation management.
• Perform cleaning, preventative maintenance and quality control on equipment according to standard operating procedures and manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Maintain knowledge and techniques related to blood and apheresis collection.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to monitor Adverse Events and provide emergency care, if needed
• Record, document, and accurately report any adverse event that arise to Quality and the Medical Director

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) preferred
• Certification in apheresis nursing preferred
• 5+ years of extensive experience leading, managing, and motivating teams of nurses/RNs at stand alone Apheresis donor center(s) preferred
• 5+ years of donor apheresis or therapeutic apheresis experience preferred
• Current Missouri/RN License and Basic Life Support CPR certification preferred
• Maintains continuing education units (CEU) for nursing licensure
• Extensive experience performing apheresis platelet, plasma & DRC procedures
• Prior nursing experience with research studies or clinical trials involving human subjects is preferred.
• Familiar with current regulatory requirements and blood banking and HCT/P regulations and standards.
• Excellent venipuncture & IV skills
• Strong communication skills

Why You Should Apply

• Great learning opportunities, especially for those new to the field. Our seasoned professionals are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals.
• Structured Career Ladders that provide excellent growth based on your personal aspirations.
• Bonuses and merit increases are a part of the QPS total rewards approach and are linked to individual, team and company performance.
• Solid Benefits package, including Company-matched 401(k), and Company-sponsored Group Life/AD&D and Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

QPS, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Job applicants and present employees are evaluated solely on ability, experience, and the requirements of the job. In addition, QPS, LLC is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.