Poison Center - Nurse

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina’s Poison Center is hiring a Nurse to provide expert poison exposure assessments, triage, and consultation for healthcare professionals and the public. You will use established toxicology protocols and nursing judgment to guide patient care and follow-up.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and SC RN licensure, with preference for ER/ICU experience. This on-site position supports public health and poison management through evidence-based guidance.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience.
• Licensure as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Responsibilities

• Provide Poison Exposure Assessment and Consultation to healthcare professionals and the public, using protocols and nursing judgment to assess exposure severity and determine follow-up.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation of consultations and follow-up activities in the center's data system.
• Support clinical operations and training by orienting student assistants and information providers to protocols and documentation procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance and research activities including case reviews and data collection.
• Maintain professional competency through licensure and continuing education.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Data entry

Clinical judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Other

About USC

About University of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes

State Insurance Programs Yes

Annual Leave Yes

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Poison Center Nurse for the South Carolina Poison Center provides professional nursing assessment, triage, consultation, and follow-up services to healthcare professionals and the public regarding poison exposures and drug information. Under general supervision, this position applies established toxicology protocols and nursing judgment to assess exposure risk, provide care recommendations, and support appropriate patient outcomes. The primary goal of the position is to deliver accurate, timely, and evidence-based poison management guidance that supports patient safety and public health.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

• Licensure as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent emergency room or critical care experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to communicate medical information to health care professionals and to the public over the telephone under crisis circumstances is essential.
• Knowledge of basic data entry and documentation necessary.
• Capable of making immediate and accurate professional decisions in providing information and consultations.

Job Duties

Provide Poison Exposure Assessment and Consultation
Respond to poison exposure and drug information inquiries from healthcare professionals and the public to promote safe and appropriate patient care. Utilize established clinical protocols, toxicology resources, and nursing judgment to assess exposure severity, recommend treatment or referral, and determine need for follow-up. Conduct follow-up calls as appropriate to monitor patient progress and outcomes.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 50

Maintain Accurate Clinical Documentation
Document consultations, assessments, recommendations, and follow-up activities in the poison center electronic data management system to ensure accurate records, regulatory compliance, and continuity of care. Review entries for completeness and accuracy in accordance with quality standards.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 20

Support Clinical Operations and Training
Assist in orienting and guiding student assistants and poison information providers in the use of protocols and documentation procedures to ensure consistent service delivery and adherence to center standards.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 10

Participate in Quality Assurance and Research Activities
Participate in case review, data collection, and quality improvement initiatives to support ongoing evaluation and enhancement of poison center services. Assist with research or scholarly activities as assigned.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 10

Maintain Professional Competency
Maintain current nursing licensure and required continuing education. Stay informed of developments in toxicology and emergency care to ensure provision of current and reliable information.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 10

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/18/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 10/31/2026

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

We are only accepting applications submitted by October 31, 2026.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you licensed as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents