Registered Nurse - Apheresis

Akicita Federal, LLC; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Akicita Federal is seeking nursing professionals for a contract role at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, America's research hospital. The Apheresis unit supports cell-therapy and transfusion research protocols, and openings require on-call availability including weekends.

Roles involve delivering protocol-informed care, documenting in the EHR, performing therapeutic and donor apheresis, and collaborating with NIH investigators.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include a nursing degree and NCLEX certification.
• Current BLS certification; ACLS/PALS if required by client.
• Minimum one year of relevant hospital experience in the designated specialty.
• Active nursing license in at least one US state.

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, protocol-informed care and maintain research data integrity.
• Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record.
• Perform apheresis procedures and monitor patients during collection.
• Manage vascular access and respond to citrate/volume-related reactions.
• Collaborate with NIH investigators and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Support informed consent and educate patients and families in research protocols.

Skills

BLS certification

ACLS/PALS if required

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Nursing diploma from accredited university

Associate degree in Nursing

NCLEX passed

Job description

Akicita Federal is hiring for our nursing and allied health services contract at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland — America’s research hospital (200 inpatient beds, 3 day hospitals, 13 outpatient clinics). Clinical Center clinicians practice clinical research care: complex, comprehensive care for patients participating in NIH research protocols, in a Magnet-recognized organization dedicated to “Ensuring Excellence in Research Care.”

The Apheresis unit collects and processes blood components in direct support of NIH cell-therapy and transfusion-medicine research protocols.

Current NIH openings for this unit have required two (2) years of current hospital apheresis experience and on-call availability including weekends and holidays (minimum one full weekend per month).

What you will do:

• - Deliver safe, protocol-informed care and maintain the integrity of research procedures and the accuracy of research data collection
• - Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record
• - Perform therapeutic and donor apheresis procedures and monitor patients throughout collection
• - Manage vascular access and respond to citrate and volume-related reactions
• - Collaborate with NIH investigators, fellows, and the interdisciplinary care team
• - Support informed consent and educate patients and families participating in research protocols

$80,000 - $90,000 a year

Minimum qualifications (per the contract Performance Work Statement):

• - Education: Either (a) a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited university; or (b) a diploma graduate in Nursing from an accredited university; or (c) an associate degree in Nursing from an accredited university. Successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
• - Certification: Current BLS (American Heart Association and/or Red Cross approved program); ACLS and PALS if required by the client.
• - Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience within the preceding three (3) years in the designated specialty.
• - Licensure: Valid license in at least one (1) state, territory, or commonwealth of the U.S.

Assignment:

Contract assignment at the NIH Clinical Center (9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD). Assignment lengths vary by position — commonly 13-week contracts, with some roles approved for 52 weeks — with potential extension based on contract need. Schedules vary by unit and may include weekends and federal holidays; your recruiter will confirm the current length, schedule, and compensation for this position.

Federal contract conditions of employment (per the contract Performance Work Statement):

• - Only U.S. citizens and Green Card holders may perform services under this contract
• - Federal background investigation required: fingerprinting and Standard Form 85/85-P (National Agency Check); NIH security in-processing and photo ID badge
• - Health and immunization clearance before start and annually thereafter: proof of MMR and varicella immunity, hepatitis B vaccination (or signed declination), annual influenza vaccination, TB screening (TST/IGRA), Tdap encouraged, and N95 respirator fit testing
• - Required NIH trainings: information security awareness before start; HIPAA privacy and security training within 30 days; annual refreshers
• - Licenses and certifications must remain current, active, valid, and unrestricted at all times while performing services
• - Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively and basic computer literacy are required for all positions
• - The NIH campus is tobacco-free

Akicita Cyber LLC (dba Akicita Federal) is an Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) and SBA 8(a) federal contractor. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We participate in E-Verify. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our recruiting team.