Apheresis Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Baton Rouge, LA

51d

About The Position

The Apheresis RN spends 80% or more of their time providing Apheresis treatments providing direct patient care in accordance to company policies and procedures which includes FMCNA compliance programs and contracted hospitals' policies and procedures. Areas of practice are diverse, including, but not limited to, therapeutic plasma exchange, RBC exchange and depletion, PLT and WBC depletions, PBSC and WBC collections, Photopheresis, and LDL apheresis. The Apheresis RN will partner with the hospital or outpatient facility to provide quality care to the patient and deliver care that provides a positive patient experience.

Requirements

Current appropriate state licensure.
Must meet the practice requirements in the state in which employed.
One year of RN experience required.
Demonstrated strong assessment skills related to the critically ill patient.
Successful completion of competency training course in theory and practice of Therapeutic Apheresis and related procedures.
BLS CPR Recognition.
Demonstrates organizational and time management skills, and a competency toward completing continuing and ongoing apheresis education.
Displays leadership skills and ability to direct and supervise others (such as Technical, Clerical Staff).
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Apheresis Nursing is highly encouraged.
Peripheral vein cannulation abilities preferred.
One-year of Apheresis or ICU/CCU/ED experience preferred.
ACLS CPR Recognition preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Responsible for direct patient care of assigned patients in the hospital or outpatient location, providing the appropriate treatment technique for assigned patients or donors as prescribed in all apheresis modality procedures, as appropriately defined, therapeutic plasma exchange, RBC exchange or depletion, WBC and PLT depletions, PBSC and all types of WBC collections, Photopheresis, LDL apheresis, and therapeutic phlebotomy.
Performs scheduled, un-scheduled and emergency Apheresis treatments and other extra-corporeal therapies (Therapeutic and Donor) in the assigned hospital(s) or outpatient locations, establishing priority of care. Initiates, monitors, and discontinues prescribed treatments and medication according to established FMCNA policies and procedures.
Gives organized, concise shift reports for patients on as assigned. Apply high level thinking skills to patient schedules to meet needs of more critical patients due to labs, MD orders, availability of access/replacement products or patient assessment.
Ensures adequate coverage of patient treatments and customer needs through appropriate scheduling.
Travels outside regional area as necessary to help with coverage of patient treatments to perform Apheresis or other extra-corporeal therapies.
Assesses patients' responses to therapeutic apheresis making appropriate adjustments and modifications to the treatment plan as indicated by the appropriately credentialed physician. Communicate problems or concerns to the Inpatient Program Manager, appropriately credentialed physician, patient hospital primary nurse and others as indicated.
Responsible for the implementation, administration, monitoring, and documentation of patient's response to prescribed treatment modality, including appropriate notification of adverse reactions to physician and blood supplier.
Delivers safe, effective care in a timely and efficient manner. Reports all new or unusual incidents, information, complaints or problems to the applicable Apheresis Managers and/or hospital personnel, tracking and documenting all adverse events in accordance with the Variance Reporting guidelines.
Accurately documents all pertinent treatment information in the individual patient's record (ACES) and the hospital record, as needed.
Implements physician's orders and follows through appropriately.
Sets-up, monitors and discontinues use of Apheresis equipment, blood warmer and other equipment used for related procedures according to established standard operating procedure.
Manages and maintains supply inventory in an efficient and cost-effective manner, documenting all inventory control.
Understands, conducts, and documents appropriately Apheresis machine safety tests/alarms tests, equipment calibration, machine safety tests, functional testing, and internal and external disinfection on all machines and complies with the documentation/notification standard per FMCNA polices.
Completes and documents ongoing participation in QAI activities.
Acts as a resource for other staff members.
Participates in staff meetings and mandatory continuing education as scheduled and participates in staff training and orientation as assigned.
Recognizes and utilizes opportunities for patient and family education specific to individual and family needs.
Assists with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.