Dialysis Registered Nurse, Home Hemo & Peritoneal RN

U.S. Renal Care, Inc.•Weslaco, TX

About The Position

The Home Therapy Registered Nurse provides patient training and ongoing support for patients choosing a home dialysis modality, in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. The role is accountable for quality patient care and superior service in internal and external interactions. The nurse supports home Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis patients, as applicable, and contributes to patient safety, continuity of care, infection control, and quality improvement. The position requires flexibility with staffing locations and hours to meet patient and home program needs, as well as reliable attendance. Rotational on-call nursing services may be required at night and on weekends. For Home Hemodialysis, the nurse coordinates home evaluations with technical services to confirm required electrical, plumbing, and drainage arrangements before acceptance into the home program. The nurse also ensures appropriate water sampling, monitors sample and culture results, and reports them as required.

Requirements

Current RN license in the applicable state, maintained in good standing.
At least 12 months of clinical nursing care experience and 3 months of experience in the specific home dialysis modality to be taught; some states have more stringent requirements, such as Texas requiring at least 6 months in the specific home modality.
CPR certification before patient care assignment.
Ability to distinguish all primary colors.
Successful completion of the Home Therapy Nurse Orientation program and annual demonstration of skills and competency for the assigned modality.
Working knowledge of English and ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Basic computer skills and proficiency in all USRC clinical applications within 90 days of hire.
Meet applicable state practice requirements.
Meet minimum hiring standards, which may include additional background clearances and orientation requirements for the assigned program.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience providing nursing care to patients on maintenance dialysis.

Responsibilities

Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including practice act requirements related to home dialysis and patient care.
Train patients and/or care partners in self-care Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis, as applicable and permitted by regulations.
Conduct home visits to assess the patient's home environment initially and at least annually, and perform more frequent assessments as needed.
Communicate patient assessment, reassessment, and monitoring results to physicians, team members, and others as appropriate.
Document nursing services in the Electronic Medical Record, including training, in-person interactions, and phone conversations, to support accurate records and continuity of care.
Participate in infection control monitoring, implementation, and recording as requested.
Know emergency equipment and procedures, and regularly review emergency preparedness procedures with home patients.
Ensure clinic and patient supply inventory and usage align with prescriptions, and place orders in a timely manner.
Track and trend program and patient performance, use critical thinking and root cause analysis to support improved outcomes, and assist with continuous quality improvement data collection.
Obtain ordered routine and non-routine laboratory tests and promptly communicate critical lab values and urgent patient needs to the responsible physician or physician extender.
Complete and document monthly reviews of patient medication profiles and administer medications as ordered.
Provide rotational on-call nursing services at night and on weekends as needed or assigned.
Accommodate patient and home program needs through flexibility with staffing locations and hours; maintain regular and reliable attendance.
For Home Hemodialysis, coordinate home evaluations with technical services to verify required electrical, plumbing, and drainage conditions before patient acceptance.
For Home Hemodialysis, ensure required water sampling is completed, monitor and report water sample and culture results.