Registered Nurse - RN - Dialysis

Purpose and scope

Functions as part of the Home Therapies dialysis health care team. Ensures provision of quality home patient care in accordance with company policies, procedures and training. Supports the company’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction. Actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the company’s Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Principal duties and

Responsibilities

Staff Related

Provides safe and effective training and oversight of the delivery of home dialysis therapies to patients in compliance with standards outlined in the facility policy and procedure manuals, as well as regulations set forth by the Corporation, state and federal agencies. Rotates with other licensed staff to ensure adequate coverage. Participates in staff training and orientation of new staff as assigned. Participates in all required staff meetings as scheduled.

Quality

Provides outstanding quality of patient care, as defined by company quality goals and standards. Submits CQI information to Clinical Manager for completion of HT QAI Template for inclusion in facility CQI packet. Participates in all monthly CQI meetings.

Education

Assists in the identification and evaluation of candidates for the company Home Therapies Program, including assessment of patients’ home environment. Trains home patients and their families/significant others on the safe and effective operation and maintenance (as appropriate), of all home therapies equipment through a formal Home Therapies training program. Educates patients and family regarding End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and the delivery of the company Kidney Options Program.

Assesses patient and family readiness and ability to perform dialysis treatments at home and patients’ home environment for suitability in the ongoing delivery of home dialysis therapy. Provides ongoing education to patients regarding their renal dialysis, peritoneal or vascular access and home dialysis therapy, and other related health conditions.

Dialysis Treatment

Provides safe and effective delivery of home therapy support care to patients with ESRD. Assesses patients’ response to home dialysis treatment therapy by following predetermined protocols. Communicates patient related issues to the physician as needed. Reports adverse patient events at home or in the clinic as well as equipment and technology related problems to the Clinical/Home Therapies management and physician including the correct documentation of such events. Coordinates the transfer of patients to the hemodialysis clinic when needed and appropriate.

Laboratory Related

Reviews, transcribes, and enters physician lab orders accurately into the Medical Information System. Follows company policies and government regulations related to the collection, packaging, and delivery of lab specimens and reporting of results.

General

Duties

Maintains competency with all emergency operational procedures, and initiate CPR and emergency measures in the event of a cardiac and/or respiratory arrest when the patient is in the medical office. Administers medications as prescribed including following algorithms (as appropriate), and document appropriate medical justification if indicated and maintain records on controlled substances as required by law.

Maintenance/Technical

Maintains appropriate skill level in the operation of all home dialysis therapy-related equipment, including the ability to troubleshoot equipment problems with the patient via telephone. Directs patients in the preventative maintenance of home therapies equipment, including water systems and analyses as appropriate. Coordinates with the company products division on the delivery, operation and maintenance of all home therapy dialysis equipment.

Medical Records & Documentation

Admits all new patients and documents as needed. Documents all relevant data including physician orders, lab results, vital signs, and treatment parameters, and patient status and any treatment related data appropriately, and enters into Medical Information System. Participates in and ensures all company policies regarding patient admission, transfer, and discharge are appropriately implemented. Completes all monthly and annual reporting as required by company policies and government regulations.

Other

Performs other related duties as assigned

Supervision

None

Education and required credentials

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (R. N.) Current appropriate state licensure

Experience and

Skills

Minimum of one year medical-surgical nursing experience preferred, ICU experience preferred. Minimum of one year dialysis experience preferred, peritoneal experience preferred. Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of dialysis therapies. Competent at operating all Home Therapies related equipment. Successfully complete CPR certification with maintenance as required. Icd-9 coding Training. Demonstrated teaching abilities.

Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have read and accepted this job description. I understand what is expected of me in this position, and I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined with or without reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, I understand that the duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. If I have any questions about duties and responsibilities not specified in this job description that I am asked to perform, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or my Human Resources representative.

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

EOE, disability/veterans