What Is an Apheresis Rn and How to Become One
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What Does an Apheresis RN Do?
An apheresis RN has the training practice therapeutic apheresis. This procedure is a part of a variety of clinical specialties, including hematology, oncology, rheumatology, and neurology. Apheresis involves removing and separating blood components to use in treatment (directly or indirectly). Your responsibilities include using a machine to withdraw blood from the cubital fossa of the arm, upon which it then performs the separation procedures, and watching patients to identify potential adverse reactions. You educate patients and families on disease management and healthy living choices. As an apheresis RN, you perform your duties in clinical settings, including in general wards, intensive care, outpatient settings, and specialist clinics.
How to Become an Apheresis RN
The qualifications required to be an apheresis RN include obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license in the state in which you wish to practice. Skills essential to this field include IV skills, inpatient experience, a professional bedside manner, and extensive knowledge of apheresis and acute dialysis. Passing the Qualification in Apheresis (QIA) exam can improve your job prospects, though you cannot take the exam without several years of experience. Employers may also request that you join the American Society of Apheresis (ASFA) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and attend regular conferences and continuing education events. The vast majority of jobs in this field are found at hospitals, research centers, outpatient clinics, and specialty clinics.
