Dialysis Outpatient Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

FunctionsaspartofthehemodialysishealthcareteaminprovidingsafeandeffectivedialysistherapyforassignedpatientsinaccordancewithFMCNApolicies,procedures,andtrainingandincompliancewithregulationssetforthby thecorporation,state,andfederalagencies.

PRINCIPALDUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PatientRelated:

• Providespatient care under the direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse for assignedpatient(s) inthe acute setting excluding Intensive Care Units as permitted bystate requirements.
• Performs alltechnical aspects of dialysisprocedures for assignedpatients as prescribed to administer andmonitor treatments inaccordance withcurrent treatment plan under the direction of theHemodialysis RN. Responsible for reporting anddocumenting all new and unusual incidences, information,complaints, orproblemsto theRN.
• Providestreatments for assignedpatients as assigned topromote andassist in the maintenance of a safe andcleanworking environment. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP)andQuality Assessment andPerformance Improvement (QAI)Activities; includingthose related topatientsatisfaction and actively participates in processimprovement activitiesthat enhancethe likelihood that patientswillachievethe FMCNA Quality Enhancement Goals(QEP).
• With documented competency andproficiency, the LPN/LVN mayset up and primeequipment as directed by the Hemodialysis RN for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement, andperitoneal dialysis therapies).
• Evaluatesvascularaccess for patency; obtains necessary pre and post treatmentvitalsigns and weight;performs vascularaccess cannulationas defined by the state andreports any difficulties or unusual findingsto the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to the patient treatment. This information isdocumented appropriately in the individual patientrecord to include the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS)and the Acute Care ElectronicSystem(ACES).
• Responsible for reportingany significant information, change inpatient condition, or equipment problems to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms arebeingused for everytreatment.
• Records accurate andtimely information regarding vital signs andtreatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment recorded inthe EMS and ACES.
• Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders including setting blood flow rate (QB) and dialysateflowrate (QD).
• Collects, labelsspecimens andensures timely deliveryof laboratory perfacility policy.
• Identifies intradialyticproblems andprovides intervention as prescribed by physician’s order or as directed byHemodialysis RN.
• Performs anddocuments anyinterventions for the patient,documents patients’response to intervention, andreportsany changesor unusual findings to theHemodialysis RN.
• Evaluatespatient’s vascularaccess duringtreatment including arterial and venousmonitoring pressures, providesappropriate intervention as needed, documents, discontinues dialysistreatment according toestablished procedures and reportsanyunusual findings to theHemodialysis RN.
• Evaluatespatient prior totermination of venousaccess – obtains bloodpressure prior to termination of venousaccess; obtainshemostasis andapplies appropriate dressings; evaluates the patient prior to discharge and reports any unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Performs preandpost dialysisevaluation, weightand vital signs withinitial identification andreports findings to RNfor documentation and any necessary follow up.
• Initiates basicCPR measures inthe eventof cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest and respondto emergency situations relatedto dialysistreatment. Responsible for re-enforcing education the patients receivedby the RN.

Technical:

• Safely operates dialysisrelatedequipment according to theproper procedures.
• Providestroubleshooting when necessary.
• Ensuresa clean, safe and sanitary environment in the dialysisfacility treatment area.
• Ensuresblood spills are immediately addressed according toFMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control Policies.
• Operatesall emergency equipment effectively andefficiently inaccordance to the standardoperation procedures.

StaffRelated:

• Participates instaff meetings as scheduled.
• Participates instaff trainingandorientation ofnew employees as assigned.
• Acquires information andknowledgeincurrent practice relatedtodialysisprincipals and technique byparticipating inscheduled in-service classes.

Additional:

• Performs additionalduties as assigned byProgramManager.

PHYSICALDEMANDSAND WORKINGCONDITIONS:

• Thephysicaldemands andwork environmentcharacteristicsdescribedhere are representativeof those an employeeencounters whileperforming the essential functions of thisjob. Reasonable accommodations maybe made toenable individualswith disabilitiestoperform theessentialfunctions.
• Day to day work includesdesk andpersonal computer work andinteraction withpatients, facility staff andphysicians.
• This position requiresfrequent, prolonged periods of standingandtheemployeemust beableto bendover.
• Theposition provides direct patientcare that regularly involvesheavy lifting and moving of patients, and assistingwithambulation. Equipment aidsand/orcoworkers may provide assistance. Theemployee mayoccasionally be required tomove, withassistance, machines andequipment ofup to 200 lbs.,andmaylift chemical andwatersolutionsof up to 30 lbs.
• Theworkenvironment ischaracteristic of a healthcare facility withairtemperature control and moderate noise levels.May be exposed to infectiousandcontagiousdiseases/materials.
• Theposition requires travel between assigned locations andvariouslocations withinthe community.
• Travel to meetings maybe required.

SUPERVISION:

• None

EDUCATION:

• Currentappropriatestatelicensure.

EXPERIENCEAND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Minimumof oneyearmedical-surgical nursing experience. Six months of hemodialysis experience preferred but notrequired.
• Successful completion of a trainingcourse in theory and practiceof hemodialysis.
• Successful completion of CPRCertification.
• CertifiedClinical Hemodialysis Certification preferred or obtained withinfirst yearofemployment.
• Employees are requiredto take the Ishihara'sColor Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that: Failing the IshiharaTest for Color  Blindness doesnot preclude employment.The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.
• Effectivecommunication skills – both verbal andwritten.