Dialysis Registered Nurse, Home Hemo & Peritoneal RN

U.S. Renal Care, Inc.•Brownsville, TX

About The Position

The Home Therapy Registered Nurse provides patient training and ongoing support for patients who choose a home dialysis modality. Qualified under applicable federal and state regulations, the nurse is accountable for providing quality care and delivering superior customer service in internal and external interactions. The role requires compliance with laws and regulations applicable to home dialysis and patient care, regular documentation and communication with the care team, and participation in quality improvement and infection control activities. The nurse trains patients and/or care partners in self-care peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis; conducts home assessments; monitors patient performance and needs; manages medication and laboratory-related tasks; supports emergency preparedness; and ensures appropriate clinic and patient supply inventory. Home hemodialysis duties also include coordinating home equipment-readiness evaluations and monitoring required water sampling. Rotational on-call nursing services, including nights and weekends, may be required, and staffing locations and hours must be flexible to meet patient and program needs.

Requirements

Current RN license in the applicable state, maintained in good standing.
At least 12 months of clinical experience providing nursing care.
At least 3 months of experience in the specific modality for which the nurse will provide home dialysis training; states with more stringent requirements may require more, such as Texas, which requires 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 applicable to 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 any practice requirements for the applicable state.
Ability to meet applicable minimum hiring standards, which may include additional background clearances and program orientation requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience providing nursing care to patients on maintenance dialysis.

Responsibilities

Comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including applicable health care professional practice act requirements.
Train patients and/or care partners in self-care peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, as qualified under applicable regulations.
Conduct home visits to assess the patient's home environment initially and at least annually, and more frequently when needed.
Routinely evaluate patient performance and communicate 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, accurately reflecting patient status and nursing interventions.
Participate in infection control monitoring, implementation, and recording as requested.
Know emergency equipment and operational procedures, and regularly review emergency preparedness procedures with home patients.
Ensure clinic and patient supply inventory and usage are appropriate to patient prescriptions and place orders in a timely manner.
Track and trend program and patient performance, apply critical thinking and root cause analysis, 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 by the physician.
Provide rotational on-call nursing services, including nights and weekends, as needed or assigned.
Be flexible with staffing locations and hours to accommodate patient and home program needs, and maintain regular and reliable attendance.
For home hemodialysis, coordinate a home evaluation with technical services to verify electrical, plumbing, and drainage requirements before patient acceptance into the home program.
For home hemodialysis, ensure required water sampling is completed, and monitor and report water sample and culture results.