RN, Registered Nurse - Dialysis

In addition, the Registered Professional Dialysis Nurse ensures the safe and efficient operation of dialysis equipment and supplies in accordance with hospital and departmental policy, applying principles of stewardship to minimize waste, optimize use of resources, and preserve the integrity of supplies and equipment. Documentation in the medical record must be accurate, timely, and reflective of both patient outcomes and prudent resource management. By combining clinical excellence with responsible stewardship, this role supports the delivery of high-value, sustainable dialysis care.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Demonstrates appropriate hand hygiene, use of PPE, and facility hygiene, including cleaning and disinfection of work surfaces and equipment—pre-treatment, intra-treatment, and post-treatment.
• Operates all available dialysis equipment and supplies based on safety, effectiveness, and cost in accordance with organizational policy to provide expected patient outcomes; documents in the medical record and records change appropriately.
• Follows policy and procedure in performance of water treatment procedures and testing; properly demonstrates electrolyte addition to acid concentrate per physician order.
• Provides documented pre- and post-dialysis nursing assessments that include but are not limited to: patient weight and fluid removal calculations, lung sounds and presence of edema, vital signs, review of current labs, and assessment and care of the dialysis access.
• Obtains pre- and post-dialysis lab specimens per physician order and organizational policy.
• Initiates, monitors, and terminates each dialysis treatment per organizational policy and procedure.
• Follows organizational policy and procedure in response to dialysis-related complications, emergencies, and technical issues. Nurses are required to obtain approval from leadership identified per organizational policy, for lab culture collection from dialysis catheters via the House Supervisor prior to specimen collection.
• Follows organizational policy and procedure in the administration of all medications during dialysis, including as-needed (PRN) medications, blood and blood products, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
• Ensures patients are transported in a timely manner to and from dialysis treatments to minimize delays in care and maintain treatment schedules. Nurses should transport patients themselves when necessary to prevent delays in care or to ensure timely discharge.
• Participates in the development and implementation of an individualized plan of care for each patient.
• Verifies the safety of each dialysis treatment by performing and documenting required equipment safety checks, including acid and bicarb expiration dates and chlorine/chloramine testing before every treatment and Minncare residual testing as needed.
• Responsible for accurately entering charges for each patient they provide care for, ensuring timely and complete documentation of billable services in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Manages time so that workflow is efficient and consistent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.