Poison Information Specialists are further-specialized Toxicology Nurses. Some can also be licensed pharmacists. They treat patients who have ingested poison, and work with schools and businesses on poison prevention and treatment. As a Poison Control Specialist, you’ll mainly work in poison control centers, and should have experience in the emergency room and intensive care units.
Things You'll Do:
- Assist patients, who have ingested poison, over the phone
- Teach poison prevention and treatment to schools and businesses
Your job characteristics:
- Fast-paced
- Multifaceted
- Patient-facing
- Independent
How You'll Get There
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Get YourAssociate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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Taking elective courses in pharmacology or poison control is helpful for this specialty.
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Pass YourNational Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
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You can start working as a Registered Nurse.
More about becoming an RN › -
You’ll need experience in the emergency room or intensive care units, as well as significant clinical experience in toxicology nursing before applying to take your poison information specialist certification exam.
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Get YourPoison information specialist certification through the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).
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Become aCertified Poison Information Specialist
More About this Specialty
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Meet
KathyRead her story
Clinical Nurse Specialist, RN
I went to nursing school directly out of high school. At that time, women's career choices were limited.
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Nursing Notes Live
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Panel Discussion on Clinical Nurse Specialists and other Advanced Nurses.
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Meet
Craigread his story
Nurse Practitioner, RN
I already had a degree in biology, but while I was training to be an EMT I learned about nurse practitioners...
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What Else You
Can Expect- Education is a big part of your job, speaking with the public, particularly young children, about the dangers of poisons.
- This is a niche specialty, so getting certified can greatly increase your job prospects.
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