RN, Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Department Overview

The OPC operates as a 24-hour emergency response center, offering critical information to efficiently triage and manage patients experiencing poisoning or toxic exposure. The center supports both the public and healthcare providers across Oregon and Guam, and serves individuals of all age groups. Pharmacists or registered nurses are responsible for answering emergency phone lines.

Primary responsibilities include patient assessment, providing treatment recommendations, and facilitating appropriate referrals to healthcare facilities when necessary. Ongoing patient evaluation and follow-up are essential components of this role. Registered nurses or pharmacists also participate in OPC's research, educational, and outreach activities, and serve as preceptors for students from colleges of pharmacy, nursing, and medicine.

OPC staff utilize a collaborative practice model as a framework for care provision. The policies and procedures in the center are consistent with a planned system. The toxicologists, pharmacists, and nurses at the OPC work closely with healthcare providers at other facilities to treat individuals with poisoning and toxic exposure, ensuring consistent, high-quality care. This collaborative framework emphasizes shared clients, collegiality, mutual accountability, and joint decision‑making.

Mutual trust and respect are essential in fostering an effective collaborative practice environment.

Function/Duties of Position:
Serves all individuals who call the OPC. Oregon and Guam are our service regions.

• Must have at least 3 years of clinical poison center experience within the last 5 years.
• Current unencumbered Guam Registered Nurse License or obtain within 60 days of hire.
• BSN Graduates:
  Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates:
  Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire.
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License.
• BLS at time of hire and must be issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• BLS must not expire during orientation.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affidavit and Equal Opportunity Department at  or aaeo.