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.

 

a. Delivers age specific care to assigned patients as prescribed, including all

aspects of the hemodialysis procedure specifically trained to perform in

accordance to state licensure.

b. Demonstrates ability to work with any patient or staff, regardless of race,

gender, disease process, life-style, religious or cultural beliefs, or

treatment.

c. Obtains, writes, transcribes and notes physician’s orders as needed, and

allows through appropriately.

d. Initiates, monitors, and discontinues dialysis treatments according to

established procedures. Assesses patients pre/post treatment and reports

problems to the coordinator/charge nurse.

e. Establishes priorities of care, both emergent and non-emergent.

f. Develops and assimilates theoretical and technical knowledge with

observations, assessment, and communication skills to detect dialysis and non-dialysis related problems.

g. Recognizes and utilizes opportunities for patient and family education and

training.

h. Maintains a safe environment for self, patients and staff by utilizing proper

body mechanics, and following universal infection control precautions and

cleaning procedures under OSHA regulations.

i. Dialyzes isolation patients utilizing isolation precautions and prescribed

procedures.

j. Assesses patients pre/post treatment and reports problems.

k. Performs hemodialysis access care according to established procedures.

l. Administers and documents medications as authorized by a physician and as further authorized or limited by the State Board of Nursing Practice.

m. Reports any significant information or change in patient condition to

Coordinator, Center Director, and physician.

n. Documents clearly, completely, and accurately all pertinent information on patient’s manual or electronic record.

o. Participates in the formulation, update, and revision of nursing care plans,

including long and short term goals, according to established guidelines.

p. Performs or assists in the performance of all emergency operational

procedures, including the evacuation of patients in the event of a fire

and/or disaster.

q. Obtains blood samples and other specimens as ordered.

r. Initiates and discontinues blood transfusions and monitors patient progress per established policy in the hospital (if applicable).

s. Cooperates with and supports other departments in the hospital and follows all policies and procedures in the hospital (if applicable).

t. Continues evaluation and provision of individualized quality patient care,

maintaining frequent contact with in-home patients by telephone, home visits, and doctor’s appointments when applicable for specific dialysis units.

u. Assesses, evaluates, and recommends patients and their assistants (where

applicable) for home training program.

v. Periodically re-evaluates all home patient’s procedures and updates their

training as needed, when applicable for specific dialysis units.

w. Effectively performs reuse of dialyzers and properly documents per policy.

x. Assesses patient treatment outcomes related to the use of reprocessed

dialyzer in conjunction with dialysis adequacy, and implements

prescribed changes.

 

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.

 

a. Assists in ordering supplies and maintaining supply inventory and records

in an efficient and cost effective manner.

b. Assists in maintaining neat, orderly, and well-stocked unit.

c. Utilizes equipment, time, and supplies economically.

d. Maintains competency in operations, sanitization, maintenance, and

of all equipment used for dialysis, water treatment and

special procedures.

e. Actively participates with the supervisor and Biomedical Engineering

Department in the care, routine cleaning, and use of equipment.

f. Reports all equipment and supply problems appropriately and according

to policy to repair personnel/biomedical support staff.

g. Picks up and delivers supplies, blood samples, records, and reports as

directed by Coordinator or Center Director.

 

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

a. Assists in orientation and training of new and existing staff.

b. Acts as a resource person for staff members within the scope of practice.

c. Assists in CQI projects with the healthcare team.

d. Communicates any water, equipment, or facility problem quickly and

appropriately following facility guidelines for reporting.

e. Communicates effectively with physicians, supervisor, co-workers, patient and families.

f. Maintains positive working relationships with Medical Director/Medical staff.

g. Actively participates in unit staff meetings and in-services.

h. Consists the Hemodialysis Coordinator/Center Director in staff

scheduling, including rotation, to ensure adequate coverage.

 

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

a. Promotes, supports, and adheres to all policies outlined in the Employee

Handbook.

b. Completes clinical and corporate training program(s) to successfully

master ESRD patient care for hemodialysis, PD (as appropriate), management skills, leadership development and gain confidence in listening and communication skills.

c. Acquires information on the latest developments of dialysis technique by

participating in scheduled in-service classes.

d. Seeks resources for 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.