Job Summary:
The Float Home Dialysis Registered Nurse has responsibility for coordinating the services related to home modalities including patient training, follow-up care, primary nursing, education, and promotion of home treatment modalities to patients and staff. The Float Nurse is expected to maintain current licensure to be able to work in any WellBound center location to supplement staff to ensure a safe, effective and efficient environment. While working in the center, their activities will be directed by the Center Manager or Director of the center. A "home center" is designated where the Float Nurse will work if not assigned elsewhere.
Essential Functions:
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Demonstrates sound judgment and skill in problem resolution and follow-through. Demonstrates understanding and tact in dealing with patients, physicians, visitors, family members, center personnel, and corporate Recommends, in cooperation with the supervisor, changes in procedures when new knowledge indicates such a need
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Knows and follows all WellBound policies and Understands the hazards associated with failing to follow those procedures
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Understands basic renal function and the consequences of renal Observes and records patients' responses to renal failure and its treatments. Performs thorough patient assessments as evidenced by documentation
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Recognizes changes in dialysis patients and makes necessary adjustments in Appropriately responds to all emergencies and notifies the physician when necessary and seeks direction
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Develops, implements, and evaluates appropriate therapeutic care plans for patients, demonstrating an understanding of the Rx modalities Utilizes the team approach when assessing patient needs and developing a plan of care by conferring with patient, family, nurse, physicians, social worker, and dietitian when appropriate
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Documents in a clear, concise, and thorough Completes all paperwork accurately and in a timely manner
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Administers medications when Understands and teaches principles of a safe dosage in ESRD, reason for giving medication and possible side effects. Ensures that medications are given properly and as ordered, and documented appropriately
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Obtains laboratory specimens as ordered and performs routine tests
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Demonstrates an understanding of the implications of common lab results as they apply to ESRD Teaches this to patients. Confers with the dietitian and physician about abnormal findings
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Coordinates and participates in the continuity of care of the patients by ensuring regular follow-ups with the WellBound health care team and when appropriate, other community resources
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Participates in the on-call service provided to patients when requested
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Understands legal consequences of nursing actions, both the immediate and long-term
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Participates in the Quality Improvement Program when requested
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Participates in CPR as needed
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Strives to provide excellence in the delivery of dialysis home care therapies
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Strives to ensure excellent outcomes through patient education and training, adjusts teaching techniques based upon patient needs and response to training to promote patient success in their dialysis therapy of choice
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Establishes on-going communication with the patient/partner (as appropriate) to educate, direct and assist the patient in managing their care for optimal outcomes
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Ensures that billing information is available to the Accounts Receivable office in a timely
- Helps maintain a neat and clean environment
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Promotes home therapies and other WellBound programs to prospective patients and families as well as admitting physicians
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Performs other duties as assigned
Teaching
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Accurately assesses patient's readiness to Plans and implements appropriate individualized teaching methods for each patient and evaluates the patient's learning
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Utilizes coaching and cheering techniques when teaching patients
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Demonstrates the ability to effectively teach all therapies offered
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Mentors and assists new staff in their delivery of expert care to the home patients
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When necessary, acts as a resource to hospital staff or other community resources in order to provide continuity of patient care
Personal Development - (All Nurses)
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Looks for opportunities to develop clinical expertise in home modalities
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Participates in peer group meeting and problem solving
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Attend and participates in in-service education programs
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Maintains professional competence through participation in annual competency reviews in home therapies
Participates in research studies and/or protocols as directed
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Customer Service- (All Nurses)
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Responsible for driving the Satellite Healthcare culture through values and customer service standards
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Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers
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Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication
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Takes initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner
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Adheres to the policy "Standards of Conduct" (i.e. dress code, professionalism, integrity, etc.
Communications
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Communicates significant patient information to the appropriate team members in a clear, concise, and accurate manner
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Liaisons with the Interdisciplinary Health Care Team on shared responsibilities
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Contributes and promotes teamwork to create a harmonious and constructive working relationship with all staff by offering information, advice, and assistance in a positive, courteous, and cooperative manner
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Seeks continuous improvement of her or his own communication and conflict resolution skills
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Participates in self and/or peer evaluations
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Ensures the confidentiality of patient and employee information
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Understands and uses Satellite's communication techniques:
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Greets patients by name
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Speak English only in patient care area unless translating
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Listens to understand, not judge
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Focuses on the message being sent
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Uses reflective listening
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Allows patients to express concerns appropriately
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Manages conflict in a positive way
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Acknowledges problems/situations from the patient's point of view
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Empathizes
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Apologizes (without blame)
The essential functions listed are not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. All employees must work in accordance with Satellite's Mission, Vision, and Values of Compassion, Trust, Quality, Innovation, and Teamwork. Employees must abide by all Satellite's standards of patient care, patient's rights and ethical treatment, and adhere to safety and quality programs.
