Dialysis Registered Nurse - Acute

U.S. Renal Care, Inc.•Cedar Rapids, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Acute Registered Nurse provides acute dialysis care and treatment to patients in a hospital environment. The nurse performs duties assigned by the Charge Nurse or Acute Manager and may assist and supervise Patient Care Technicians and Licensed Vocational Nurses. Depending on the region and demographics, the role may report to an Acute Manager, Administrator, or first-line regional operational leader, such as an Area Director, Regional Director, or Vice President of Operations. The role includes administering physician-ordered medications; assessing patients before and after treatment; initiating and terminating dialysis treatments; maintaining dialysis equipment and water treatment systems; documenting care; and communicating patient status and concerns to physicians and hospital staff. The nurse also supports quality and operational goals, follows applicable laws and policies, participates in infection control and surveys, and contributes to staff training and teamwork.

Requirements

Current RN license in the applicable state or compact, maintained in good standing.
CPR certification through a hospital-approved program.
Ability to pass color screening.
Working knowledge of English and ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Basic computer skills; proficiency in all USRC clinical applications is required within 90 days of hire.
Meet applicable state practice requirements.
Meet minimum hospital or agency hiring standards, which may include additional background clearances and orientation requirements.

Nice To Haves

At least 12 months of current nursing experience is preferred.
Previous experience providing nursing care to dialysis patients is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with clinical and operational processes that improve patient health and minimize hospitalizations and rehospitalizations.
Ensure patient and treatment charge information and related data are accurate and submitted appropriately.
Use supplies and staff labor hours effectively; may participate in inventory management and follow purchasing protocols.
Perform duties assigned to meet patient-care or operational needs.
Administer medications as ordered by the physician.
Provide patient education and follow-up as needed.
Support program quality metrics and patient outcome goals.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, practice acts, company policies, and hospital policies.
Complete water quality verification and equipment safety checks before each treatment, including second verification when required.
Complete pre- and post-treatment physical assessments and handoff communications with hospital nurses.
Initiate and terminate treatments, including connecting and disconnecting catheters and cleaning catheter sites.
Set up dialysis machines and report machine problems to the biomedical technician or Acute Manager as appropriate.
Clean, disinfect, and perform required quality control of dialysis machines.
Participate in infection control monitoring, implementation, and recording as requested; use personal protective equipment as necessary.
Know and follow hospital emergency equipment and operational procedures.
Demonstrate effective staffing based on patient acuity, skill mix, and company guidelines.
Provide contracted dialysis-related services, which may include Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, CRRT, and Plasmapheresis (TPE).
Participate in required surveys and ensure nursing care and treatment follow physician orders.
Document required information in patient records.
Inform the Supervisor, Medical Director or Physician, and Hospital Liaison of incidents, conditions, or concerns related to patient care and safety, according to company policy.
Prepare and maintain dialysis machines and systems, maintain dialysis records, prepare water treatment systems for use, and troubleshoot technical problems independently.
Notify the Biomedical Technician about machine or water treatment malfunctions and out-of-parameter values, and document as required.
Communicate assessment, reassessment, and ongoing monitoring results to the physician.
Maintain collaborative working relationships with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other hospital healthcare professionals.
Promote GUEST customer service standards and develop effective relationships throughout the organization.
Address patient concerns promptly and professionally, following hospital policy.
Attend required staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education.
Delegate tasks to competent licensed and unlicensed staff when permitted by applicable state practice acts.
Assist with staff training as requested and promote teamwork.