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Poison Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Poison Control information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do poison control jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for poison control in Virginia is $24.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a poison control specialist do?

A Poison Control specialist provides emergency assistance and medical guidance in cases of poisoning or toxic exposure. They assess the severity of the situation, offer first-aid instructions, and determine if medical attention is needed. Specialists work in Poison Control Centers, assisting both the public and healthcare professionals. Their goal is to prevent harm and ensure proper treatment for individuals exposed to hazardous substances.

What does a typical workday look like for a poison control specialist?

A typical day in Poison Control involves fielding incoming calls from the public and healthcare professionals, assessing exposure situations, and providing evidence-based treatment recommendations. You may collaborate with hospitals, emergency response teams, and physicians to guide patient care for both minor and severe poisoning cases. The work environment is often fast-paced and call-center based, with team members supporting each other in complex scenarios. Documentation, ongoing education, and participation in outreach or preventative education sessions are also common responsibilities. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on public health and often includes pathways for professional growth into supervisory or educational positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the poison control position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Poison Control, you need a background in toxicology, pharmacy, nursing, or a related health science, along with excellent assessment and decision-making abilities. Familiarity with poison information databases, call center software, and certification as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI) are often required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for providing accurate, timely advice during emergencies and ensuring public safety.

What qualifications do you need to work at poison control?

To work at poison control, candidates typically need a background in healthcare, such as a nursing degree, pharmacy license, or medical training, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Certification in poison information or toxicology is often preferred, and some positions require experience in emergency or clinical settings.

What job categories do people searching Poison Control jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Poison Control jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Poison Control job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,390 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - Poison Control - Rotating

Richmond, VA • On-site

VCU Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


VCU Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 172 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Recognizing the needs of the adults and pediatric populations are distinct, for more than 25 years, VCU Medical Center has provided pediatric emergency medicine services, in a separate space, dedicated to the unique needs of children with urgent and emergent health care needs and their families. Adjacent to Adult Emergency Department, the 10,000-square-foot Pediatric Emergency Department (Pediatric ED), provided 21,818 discreet patient visits in Fiscal Year 2019, leading to 3,949 admissions. Approximately 500 of the patients received care following a trauma, making the VCU Medical Center Pediatric ED the busiest pediatric trauma service in the region. VCU Medical Center offers the region's only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, as well as the Evans-Haynes Burn Center, a Level 1 Pediatric Burn Center, verified by the American Burn Association. The Pediatric ED is also the clinical site of the VCU Child Protective Team, which is devoted exclusively to the care of children, who have been victims of physical and/or sexual abuse.
The Clinical Nurse I job integrates technical skills and theoretical knowledge to meet the needs of the patient and family. This job assists the health care team with the prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort. This job provides direction, education, and begins to acquire leadership skills at the unit level. This job delivers and accurately documents direct, age-specific care to a patient or group of patients based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care. This job also safely administers prescribed medications, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.
The Clinical Nurse II job demonstrates a mastery of clinical skills and begins to apply this knowledge to a specific patient population. This job assists the health care team with the prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort. This job recognizes changes in patient situations and intervenes appropriately. This job mobilizes resources to meet the individualized needs of patient/families. This job provides direction, education, and assumes leadership responsibilities at the unit level. This job delivers and accurately documents direct, age-specific care to a patient or group of patients based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care. This job safely administers prescribed medications, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.
The Clinical Nurse III job demonstrates clinical knowledge at the unit level and begins to apply this knowledge to a specific patient population. This job assists the health care team with the prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort. This job anticipates changes in patient situations and intervenes appropriately. This job provides direction, education, and serves as a role model in a clinical setting. This job delivers and accurately documents direct, age-specific care to a patient or group of patients based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care. This job safely administers prescribed medications, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:
Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Current RN licensure in Virginia or eligible or compact state
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:
Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Current RN licensure in Virginia, AHA BLS HCP Certification or equivalent
Experience REQUIRED:
Clin I: N/A
Clin II: 12 to 24 months RN experience
Clin III: 3 years of clinical experience
Experience PREFERRED:
Clin I: Experience as an LPN, nursing assistant or care partner in either an acute care setting or as applicable to area of practice
Clin II, Clin III: Academic Health Care Experience; Experience with similar patient population in either an acute care setting or as applicable to area of practice
Education/training REQUIRED:
Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Diploma or Associates Degree from a professional nursing program recognized and/or approved by the corresponding state's Board of Nursing.
All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to enroll in an approved RN to BSN program within two years of their start date and to complete the program within five years of their start date unless grandfathered under previous requirements.
Education/training PREFERRED:
Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (or higher) from an accredited program Clin III: Certification in specialty area
Independent action(s) required:
Follows documented physician/licensed independent provider orders.
Practices within the boundaries of the regulations governing the practice of nursing in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Practice is guided by the ANA Code of Ethics for Nursing and established national nursing practice standards.
All practice is guided by and follows the VCUHS policies and procedures and established practice.
Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable):
Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Organizes work and delegates and supervises others (RN's, LPN's, Care Partners, Unit Secretaries, etc.) in carrying out assignments.
Additional position requirements:
Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Clinicians work all three shifts, weekends and holidays.
Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific Nurse Manager/Practice Manager.
Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet unit requirements and/or as needed.
Age Specific groups served:
As appropriate based on unit assignment.
Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Other: Exposure to potentially hazardous and infectious substances
Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Frequent bending, Walking (distance), Climbing (steps, ladder, other), Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive)
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment

Compensation Grade Ranges:
Clinical Nurse I: $34.00 - $49.50
Clinical Nurse II: $34.65 - $51.97
Clinical Nurse III: $36.38 - $54.58
Actual Salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

Compensation Grade Ranges: Clinical Nurse I: $34.00 - $49.50Clinical Nurse II: $34.65 - $51.97Clinical Nurse III: $36.38 - $54.58Actual Salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

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