Transfusion Nurse

Position Summary

To work with medical, nursing and laboratory staff to promote safe and appropriate use of blood and blood components/products in accordance with national and international guidelines

Enterprise Agreement

Nurses and Midwives

Classification or Salary Range

Grade 4A

Immunisation Risk Category

Category A: Position involving direct patient contact, potential for exposure to blood, body fluid, human tissue specimens during course of a normal working day

Key Relationships

Internal

• Pathology provider(s)
• Hospital Transfusion Committee
• Quality Manager/Risk Manager
• Medical Staff
• Nursing Staff
• Laboratory Staff

External

• Department of Human Services
• ARCBS
• Transfusion nurses employed within other Victorian hospitals
• Key organisations associated with transfusion medicine
• Relevant transfusion nursing forum(s)

Education

Skills

Essential Requirements

• Registered Nurse Division 1. A Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing or equivalent, or working towards this.  
• Minimum 3 years post-registration experience within an acute care setting
• Eligible to obtain (or already working towards) a relevant post graduate qualification in transfusion nursing.  
• Current clinical knowledge in nursing with basic Haematology skills and knowledge
• Excellent organisational skills to assess, plan, design, coordinate, implement and evaluate adult educational programs
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills and ability to develop positive working relationships with a broad range of professional disciplines
• Ability to negotiate and resolve problems in a collaborative or independent manner
• High level written and verbal communication, including computer skills (internet, Microsoft Word and Excel). 

Desirable Requirements

• An understanding of and experience with developing evidence-based practice
• Demonstrated involvement in professional activities and organizations.
• Experience in conducting unit based quality improvement activities. 
• Demonstrated understanding of quality and safety improvement principles.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

1.Clinical Practice and Leadership

1. To act as a resource and role model for clinical excellence in transfusion practices.
2. To lead the development and implementation of transfusion practice policies/protocols which are in accordance with local, national and international guidelines.
3. To actively participate in the Blood Transfusion Committee, presenting data and analysis as indicated.
4. To provide leadership and direction in the ongoing development and implementation of evidence based transfusion practices at Peter Mac.
5. To participate in ongoing staff development activities in order to maintain currency of practice and ensure the provision of quality nursing care
6. To promote safe and appropriate blood transfusion practice.
7. To promote provision of transfusion information to consumers. To effectively manage change within the organisation.
8. To be a liaison person between laboratory and clinical areas, and to address issues related to transfusion practices between these settings

• Evidence of safe transfusion practices i.e. Minimal incidents etc.
• Evidence demonstrates appropriate use of blood products and minimal wastage of blood products.
• Hospital policies & protocols reflect recommendations of National and International guidelines.
• Nursing practice reflects current policies and procedures.
• Attendance at Transfusion Committee.
• Reports and analysis of Transfusion data available.
• Key Performance Indicators for the use of blood products within the hospital are established and reported to the transfusion committee.
• Appropriate usage of blood is indicated with reduced wastage of blood and blood products.
• Patient information materials are up to date and available to all patients receiving blood products.
• Patients and relatives indicate a high level of satisfaction in regard to support and information given pertaining to blood transfusion.
• Appropriate stakeholders within the organisation indicate a high level of satisfaction that change has occurred in relation to transfusion practices.
• Staff within laboratory and clinical areas will indicate that the transfusion nurse is effective in addressing issues arising.

2.Education

1. To facilitate the coordination of training and education for the implementation of policies related to transfusion.
2. To facilitate the implementation of the transfusion competency across the organization.
3. To act as a resource person to patients by providing support and information regarding the blood transfusion process.
4. To develop transfusion related patient information.
5. To effectively coordinate the training and education of staff regarding transfusion practice.

• Evidence of high levels of nursing staff competent in transfusion practices.
• Evaluation of developed education (competencies) and training indicates a high level of satisfaction.
• Patients and relatives satisfaction in regard to support and information given pertaining to blood transfusion.
• Evidence of transfusion information for patients and their families.
• Clinical competencies relating to transfusion practice are established and implemented.
• A regular transfusion practice education program is provided for relevant staff.
• A KPI for education standards is established and implemented.
• Evaluation of education and training indicates a high level of satisfaction.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

3. Quality Improvement & Research

1. Assist in enforcing process for monitoring and managing ‘errors and adverse events’ around transfusion.
2. To assist in audit process related to compliance to guideline recommendations and ensures data on transfusion are maintained.
3. To attend relevant internal and external committees, workshops and conferences related to transfusion practices.
4. To review relevant transfusion related literature to increase knowledge of current trends and advances in transfusion practice.
5. To initiate, promote and participate in nursing research projects in order to enhance clinical practice and patient care.  
6. Implements, supports and co-ordinates the development of KPIs and quality activities for transfusion practices.
7. Ensures transfusion practices meet accreditation standards.
8. Ensures transfusion related risk management strategies are identified and addressed to improve patient outcomes.
9. Supports and participates in ongoing educational and research programs within Nursing Services and the Centre.
10. To develop and implement policies/protocols which are in accordance with state, national and international guidelines.
11. Develop a process for monitoring and managing errors and adverse events.
12. To audit compliance to guidelines and effectively disseminate data.
13. To attend Blood Transfusion Committee meetings, produce/present reports on blood transfusion and ensure data on blood transfusion is maintained.

• Audits and reports demonstrate evidence that adverse events are monitored, captured and managed.
• Audits pertaining to transfusion practice of medical/nursing and laboratory staff demonstrate a high level of adherence to hospital policy and procedures.
• Attendance at relevant transfusion workshops, conferences and updates as necessary
• KPIs for transfusion practices developed, monitored and analysed.
• Evidence of participation and compliance with EquIP documentation and accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrated involvement in evidence based practice, research, education or training through at least one project per annum.
• Participates in nursing audit program.
• Submits reports to Quality Manager on transfusion related QI activities.
• Hospital-wide policies and protocols are up-to-date and reflect the recommendations of state, national and international guidelines.
• There is evidence that hospital policies and procedures are adhered to by all staff.
• Through audits and reports to appropriate committees it will be evident that adverse events are monitored, captured and managed.
• Audits pertaining to transfusion practice of medical, nursing and laboratory staff will indicate a high level of adherence to guidelines.
• Effective dissemination of audit reports will indicate high level of staff awareness of transfusion guidelines.
• Blood Transfusion committee will indicate a high level of satisfaction in relation to attendance, reports and presentations, and documentation on blood transfusion.