OPAT Registered Nurse (MCP)

Job Description Summary

MUSC Community Physicians (MCP) is an entity within the Medical University of South Carolina that provides healthcare to patients within the rural health network throughout the state of South Carolina. 

The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) Registered Nurse is responsible for coordinating and managing patients receiving intravenous antimicrobial therapy in the outpatient setting. This role serves as the primary clinical coordinator between patients, infectious disease providers, infusion services, home health agencies, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to ensure safe, effective, and timely delivery of care.

The OPAT RN provides clinical assessment, patient education, care coordination, monitoring of treatment plans, and proactive management of therapy-related complications while promoting quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

Entity

MUSC Community Physicians (MCP)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC005096 MCP - Columbia Outpt Infectious Disease

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-28

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

OPAT Program Coordination

• Coordinate all aspects of outpatient antimicrobial therapy for patients discharged from hospitals or referred to the Infectious Disease practice.
• Manage patient enrollment into the OPAT program and ensure all required documentation is completed.
• Collaborate with infectious disease physicians and advanced practice providers to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Coordinate services with infusion centers, home infusion pharmacies, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient laboratories.
• Facilitate transitions of care from inpatient to outpatient settings.

Clinical Monitoring

• Monitor patients receiving IV antimicrobial therapy through regular assessment and follow-up.
• Review laboratory results according to established protocols and provider orders.
• Identify abnormal findings, potential adverse drug reactions, line complications, and signs of treatment failure.
• Escalate clinical concerns appropriately to providers.
• Ensure timely adjustments to treatment plans based on laboratory results and provider recommendations.

Patient Care and Education

• Provide comprehensive education regarding:
  • Antimicrobial therapy
  • Central line care
  • Infection prevention
  • Medication administration
  • Potential side effects and complications
  • Follow-up appointments and laboratory schedules
• Conduct telephone triage and patient assessments.
• Address patient questions and concerns.
• Promote adherence to treatment plans and follow-up recommendations.

Care Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate laboratory monitoring.
• Ensure completion of required follow-up appointments.
• Facilitate communication among all members of the healthcare team.
• Obtain and communicate hospital discharge information and treatment updates.
• Assist with prior authorizations and payer requirements when needed.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Track quality indicators and patient outcomes for the OPAT program.
• Support infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
• Participate in process improvement and accreditation activities.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.

Population Health and Program Management

• Maintain OPAT patient registry and tracking tools.
• Monitor treatment completion rates and follow-up compliance.
• Assist with development of program reports and performance metrics.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience.
• Experience in Infectious Disease, infusion therapy, care management, ambulatory care, hospital medicine, or case management preferred.
• Strong knowledge of IV antimicrobial therapy and vascular access devices.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Ambulatory Care Nursing (AMB-BC), Infusion Nursing (CRNI), or Case Management (CCM).
• Experience managing OPAT patients.
• Knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship principles.

Experience with quality improvement initiatives and population health management

Additional Job Description

Benefits:

·Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

·Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan

·Paid time off and extended sick leave

·Paid Parental Leave

·Disability insurance plan options

·Continuous professional and clinical training

·Competitive pay

·Annual Merit Increase

·Wellbeing resources

·Tuition Reimbursement

·Employee perks and discounts

·Employee referral program

·Flexible schedule options

·Certification incentive program

Physical Requirements

•Ability to perform job functions while standing and sitting.  Ability to perform job functions while walking and climb stairs. Ability to work from elevated areas. Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces.  Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. Ability to bend and twist at the waist. Ability to squat and perform job functions. Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands.  Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands.  Ability to reach overhead.  Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.  Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination.  Ability to reach in all directions.  Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force.  Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that cannot assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force are needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force are required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes.  Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance.  Ability to match or discriminate between colors.  Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.  Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.  Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations.  Ability to work rotating shifts.  Ability to work overtime as required.  Ability to work in a latex safe environment.  Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.  * *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.  * *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees