- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Poison information specialist
Poison information specialist
A poison information specialist is a further specialized toxicology nurse, trained to help people who have accidently ingested poison or are looking for information on poison.
- X (Twitter)
Copy link
Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Fast-paced
React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What you’ll do as a poison information specialist
You’ll typically work alongside pediatricians in a hospital or outpatient facility, but you could even run your own practice.
Assistance
You’ll provide phone, video and one-on-one assistance to patients, and parents of children who have ingested toxic substances.
Counsel
You’ll provide patients and families with emotional support.
Education
You’ll teach poisoning prevention and treatment at schools and businesses.
Where you’ll work as a poison information specialist
Poison information specialists work in a variety of settings, including:
- Businesses
- Poison control centers
- Schools
How to become a poison information specialist
Get an Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Take elective courses in pharmacology or poison control.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining experience in an emergency room or toxicology unit.
Get your Poison Information Specialist Certification through the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
You’re ready to work as a poison information specialist!
Poison information specialist career resources
Become a member of a poison information specialist organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
America’s Poison Centers
America’s Poison Centers
Related nursing specialties
Toxicology nurse
A toxicology nurse takes care of patients who’ve swallowed poison, come into contact with a toxin, been bitten by a snake, or stung by a bee or wasp.
Burn care nurse
A burn care nurse treats patients who have been burned by fire, hot water, oil, chemicals or electricity.