Cellular Therapy Technician

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Under the direction of the Manager, Therapeutic Apheresis, the Apheresis Technician is responsible for assisting the Therapeutic Services RN with the collection of cellular therapy product collections at BCW and Milwaukee area hospitals. This includes preparing donors and equipment for apheresis procedures and operating the apheresis equipment while monitoring the patient or donor throughout the collection procedure. The Apheresis Technician will also assist in the coordination of stem cell collection, including NMDP and research cellular therapy collections, in addition to coordinating and performing granulocyte donations.

Assist Therapeutic Services RN with assessment of patient or donor medical history prior to cellular therapy collections
• Draws required laboratory samples per physician's orders
• Prepares apheresis equipment for cellular therapy collections
• Prepares donors for cellular therapy collections
• Performs peripheral venipunctures for cellular therapy collections
• Monitors the patient or donor's status throughout the collection procedure under the supervision of the Therapeutic Services RN, seeking medical assistance when indicated
• Assists the Therapeutic Services RN with cellular therapy collection activities
• Coordinates NMDP, research cellular therapy, and Dendreon collections
• Coordinates closely with physicians and nurses at area hospitals to arrange cellular therapy collections
• Appropriately document patient or donor related activities on patient's medication record as necessary
• Participate in departmental quality assurance and process improvement activities
• Assist with cellular therapy collection activities
• Assist with scheduling patient and donor appointments
• Check in supplies in designated locations as needed
• Responsible for set-up and dismantling of apheresis equipment in accordance per QSD
• Perform computer entry for hospital documentation, as applicable
• Assist in Quality System Document (QSD) development, as applicable
• Provides recommendations for potential process improvements
• Participates in and utilizes continuous improvement processes
• Takes initiative to assist with special projects
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient information
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge through self-directed learning
• Supports BCW's mission, vision and values as well as department goals and objectives
• Practices cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and cGTP (current Good Tissue Practice) during all cellular therapy collection activities
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Training in blood banking, phlebotomy, EMT, LPN, pheresis technician, dialysis technician, RN student with a completed clinical in phlebotomy, or MLT required
• Associate's Degree degree in health sciences (LPN or MLT) preferred
• Bachelor's Degree degree in health sciences (LPN or MLT) preferred

Experience

• 1-3 years experience in blood banking, phlebotomy, EMT or health care field required
• Experience with apheresis equipment preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal communication and rapport-building skills including the ability to listen actively and respond with empathy, tact, and sensitivity
• Good organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks at one time while maintaining attention to detail
• Flexibility and dedication for handling a changing work schedule
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Effective problem solving and decision making skills which demonstrate good judgment
• A comprehensive understanding of the principles of blood/component collection
• Effective venipuncture skills
• Basic keyboarding skills

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR certification required
• Valid Wisconsin Driver's license and access to an insured vehicle required

Tools and Technology

• Apheresis collection devices required
• Blood Warmer required
• Digital thermometer required
• Sphygmomanometer (Blood pressure cuff) required
• Stethoscope required
• Heat sealer required
• Personal computer required