RN Dialysis

Afternoon/evenings Dialysis RN 1.0 FTE position. Shift differential eligible.

DIALYSIS RN participates in weekly after hours on-call requirements. During dialysis low census, assists nursing floors and emergency room for helping hands as needed.

Travel between Northwest Health facilities: Northwest Health Porter, La Porte, and Portage hospital. Mileage reimbursement eligible.

Under the direction of assigned dialysis leadership, provides quality nursing care established by regulatory standards to adults / aging adults requiring hemodialysis / peritoneal in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Licensure:

• Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse
• CPR required within three (3) months of hire.

• 2-year minimum acute hemodialysis experience.
• Preferred: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange experience.

• Associates Degree in Nursing.
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

• Reviews physician orders for dialysis patients, collects pre-treatment dialysis data, and reviews patient records prior to dialysis. Conducts pre-dialysis patient assessment including obtaining patient vital signs and assessing the patient’s vascular access, laboratory findings, and the patient’s general health. Safely gives routine meds based on physician orders. Verifies that patients are taking all prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation.
• Documents findings of patient assessments and interventions and advises providers of any significant change in the patient's condition and other pertinent information. Discusses patient concerns and answers questions relevant to care. Accurately obtains blood work according to protocol.
• Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection; this includes (if needed and after receiving the appropriate training) the ability to perform arteriovenous access monitoring using ultrasound machine per protocol.
• Performs routines dialysis activities: blood transfusion, IV med and oxygen administration.
• Independently initiates dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment and performance of the dialysis machines, and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis. Oversees dialysis technician assisting with equipment setup, data collection, and Tablo disinfection.
• Participates in quality improvement activities to include collection of data for the dialysis unit Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan. Provides leadership in improving patient care, maintaining standards of care, directing and teaching personnel in a variety of settings, and providing charge nurse responsibilities as needed.
• Works closely with others on the dialysis team and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Completes documentation regarding daily treatment sheets and progress notes. Completes incident reports for unusual occurrences.
• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.