RN - In Center - Hemodialysis

In Center 

The Hemodialysis Registered Professional Nurse provides chronic hemodialysis care and treatment, develops nursing care plans involving assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, training and education; communicates with the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans, and assists in research studies.

The Hemodialysis Registered Professional Nurse is responsible for assisting and supporting the unit management team in achieving quality, patient satisfaction, staff development, business management as appropriate, teamwork, culture and employee satisfaction.

He/she is also responsible for understanding, supporting, interpreting, and implementing the philosophy and policies of the corporation.

Provides safe, effective delivery of age specific patient care as overseen by the Unit Medical Director in compliance with standards outlined in the facility procedure manual, as well as regulations set forth by the company, state and federal agencies.

The Hemodialysis Registered Professional Nurse will be responsible for the performance of all of the duties listed. The distribution of effort between the duties listed can be expected to vary according to the need and to individual assignments, under the supervision of a Coordinator, Director of Nursing, and Unit Medical Director:

1. Demonstrates applicable knowledge of policies and procedures related to the

Hemodialysis Registered Professional Nurse/licensed practical nurse/patient care

technician.

2. Demonstrates ability to perform technical skills for the Hemodialysis Registered

Professional Nurse including the patient’s treatment, and water treatment facility, and

emergency procedures, as determined by the competency assessment program.

• Delivers age-specific hemodialysis care to assigned patients in accordance with state licensure and established procedures.
• Initiates, monitors, and discontinues dialysis treatments; assesses patients pre- and post-treatment and reports problems to the charge nurse/coordinator.
• Performs hemodialysis access care and dialyzes isolation patients using proper isolation precautions.
• Recognizes, detects, and reports dialysis and non-dialysis related problems through ongoing assessment, observation, and communication.
• Establishes priorities of care for emergent and non-emergent situations.
• Administers and documents medications as authorized by physician order and within State Board of Nursing scope.
• Obtains blood samples/specimens and (if applicable) initiates/discontinues blood transfusions per policy.
• Documents all pertinent patient information clearly, completely, and accurately in the manual or electronic record.
• Reports significant changes in patient condition to Coordinator, Center Director, and physician.
• Recognizes opportunities for and provides patient/family education and training.
• Participates in developing, updating, and revising individualized nursing care plans with short- and long-term goals.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients, self, and staff by using proper body mechanics, universal precautions, infection control, and OSHA cleaning procedures.
• Effectively performs dialyzer reuse and documents per policy; assesses treatment outcomes related to reprocessed dialyzers and implements prescribed changes to ensure dialysis adequacy.
• (Home dialysis specific, when applicable) Assesses/evaluates patients and assistants for home training, provides periodic re-evaluation and updates training, and maintains frequent contact via phone, home visits, or appointments.

4. Assists with and performs all procedures of safe operation, disinfections and inventory control according to corporate and departmental policy, manufacturer commendations

and regulatory agency guidelines.

• Assists in ordering supplies, maintaining inventory records, and ensuring the unit is neat, orderly, and well-stocked in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Utilizes equipment, time, and supplies economically.
• Maintains competency in the operation, sanitization, maintenance, and use of all dialysis, water treatment, and special-procedure equipment.
• Actively participates with the supervisor and Biomedical Engineering Department in routine cleaning, care, and proper use of equipment.
• Reports all equipment malfunctions, supply issues, or other problems promptly and according to policy to the appropriate repair personnel or biomedical support staff.
• Picks up and delivers supplies, blood samples, records, and reports as directed by the Coordinator or Center Director.

5. Assumes administrative duties under the direction of the Center Director/Coordinator.

• Assists in orientation and training of new and existing staff, and acts as a resource person for staff within scope of practice.
• Actively participates in unit staff meetings, in-services, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) projects with the healthcare team.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with physicians, supervisor, co-workers, patients, families, and maintains positive working relationships with the Medical Director and medical staff.
• Communicates any water, equipment, or facility problems quickly and appropriately per facility guidelines.
• Assists the Hemodialysis Coordinator/Center Director with staff scheduling, including rotations, to ensure adequate coverage.

6. Assumes responsibility and utilizes opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Promotes, supports, and adheres to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Completes required clinical and corporate training programs to master ESRD patient care (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis as appropriate), management skills, leadership development, and effective listening/communication.
• Participates in scheduled in-service classes to stay current on the latest developments in dialysis techniques.
• Seeks resources or direction when necessary.

7. Performs additional duties and is responsible for specific projects that are

assigned by the Director of Nursing.

Machines / Equipment

RN will be responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of all hemodialysis and related ancillary and emergency equipment utilized in the facility such as: reuse equipment, water treatment equipment, computer, hemodialysis machines, sphygmomanometer, conductivity meter, glucometers, scale, electronic thermometers, centrifuge, EKG machine, IV infusion pump, code cart, suction machine, oxygen administration equipment, and personal protective equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Bachelors in nursing or health

related field preferred.

2. Approximately one year nursing experience.

3. Current appropriate state licensure.

4. Hemodialysis experience desirable.

5. ICU/CCU experience preferred.

6. Successful completion of training course in theory and practice of hemodialysis.

7. Valid driver’s license and insurance, when indicated/applicable for business

travel by automobile.

8. Computer knowledge desirable.

9. Successful completion of current CPR Healthcare Recognition according to the

American Heart Association.

10. Possesses reliable transportation.