- Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program. Current nursing license in the State in which practicing or a compact state license.
- Experience: One or more years of current nursing experience preferred with a minimum of 6 months hemodialysis experience within the last 24 months. An RN who holds a current certification from a nationally recognized board in nephrology nursing or hemodialysis my substitute the certification or has successfully completed and is certified by an approved dialysis training program.
1. Contribute to the dialysis department by initiating care and treatment, develop nursing care plans involving assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, training and education; communicates with the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret and adjust patient prescription, care plans, and assists in research studies.
2. Ability to foster an environment of cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.
3. Demonstrates ability to perform technical skills for the Hemodialysis including the patient’s treatment, reuse, and water treatment facility and emergency procedures, as determined by the competency assessment program.
4. 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.
5. Demonstrates ability to work with any patient or staff, regardless of race, gender, disease process, life-style, religious or cultural beliefs, or treatment.
6. Obtains, writes, transcribes and notes physician’s orders as needed, and follows through appropriately.
7. Initiates, monitors, and discontinues dialysis treatments according to established procedures.
8. Assesses patients’ pre/post treatment and reports problems to the Charge Nurse or Dialysis Director.
9. Establishes priorities of care, both emergent and non-emergent.
10. Develops and assimilates theoretical and technical knowledge with observations, assessment, and communication skills to detect dialysis and non-dialysis related problems.
11. Recognizes and utilizes opportunities for patient and family education and training.
12. 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.
13. Dialyze isolation patients utilizing isolation precautions and prescribed procedures.
14. Assesses patient’s pre/post treatment and reports problems.
15. Performs hemodialysis access care according to established procedures.
16. Administers and documents medications as authorized by a physician and as further authorized or limited by the Texas Board of Nursing
17. Reports any significant information or change in patient condition to Charge Nurse or Dialysis Director and physician.
18. Documents clearly, completely, and accurately all pertinent information on record.
19. Participates in the formulation, update, and revision of nursing care plans, including long and short-term goals, according to established guidelines.
20. Performs or assists in the establishment and performance of all emergency operational procedures, including the evacuation of patients in the event of a fire and/or disaster.
21. Obtains blood samples and other specimens as ordered.
22. Demonstrates ability to work with peritoneal dialysis patients and perform according to established procedures.
23. Assesses, evaluates, and recommends patients and their assistants (where applicable) for home training program.
24. Effectively performs reuse of dialyzes and properly documents per policy.
25. Assesses patient treatment outcomes related to the use of reprocessed dialyzer in conjunction with dialysis adequacy, and implements prescribed changes.
26. Performs pre- and post-treatment physical and mental assessment
27. Reports all equipment and supply problems appropriately and according to policy to repair personnel/Biomedical support staff.
28. Assumes administrative duties under the direction of the Dialysis Director/Charge Nurse.
29. Assists in orientation and training of new and existing staff.
30. Acts as a resource person for staff members within the scope of practice.
31. Assists with educational or CQI projects with the healthcare team.
32. Communicates any water, equipment, or facility problem quickly and appropriately following facility guidelines for reporting.
33. Communicates effectively with physicians, supervisor, co-workers, patient and families.
34. Maintains positive working relationships with Medical Director/ Medical Staff, internal and external partners.
35. Actively participates in unit staff meetings and in-services.
36. Cooperates/assists the Charge Nurse or Dialysis Director in staff scheduling, including rotation, to ensure adequate coverage.
37. Assumes responsibility and utilizes opportunities for personal and professional growth.
38. Ability to remain calm; interpret data and conditions as presented, and to provide solutions under stress.
39. Completes clinical and corporate training program(s) to successfully master ESRD patient care for hemodialysis, PD, management skills, leadership development and gain confidence in listening and communication skills.
40. Acquires information on the latest developments of dialysis technique by participating in scheduled in-service classes.
41. Seeks resources for direction, when necessary.
42. Ability to work independently in an unstructured environment.
43. Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the unit and hospital level.
44. Moderately active work involving lifting and carrying, walking and standing for considerable lengths of time.
45. Visual acuity to prepare and read written material accurately.
46. Ability to push, pull, mobilize (with assistance of wheels, carts, and other equipment) approximately 200 pounds.
47. Ability to work overtime as needed to complete general responsibilities to meet the needs of the unit or corporation.
Performs additional duties and is responsible for specific projects that are assigned by the Charge Nurse or Dialysis Director.
