Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Hammond, IN

About The Position

The Home Therapies Registered Nurse CAP 1 is an entry-level designation in the Clinical Advancement Program. The RN provides and coordinates clinically competent care for assigned patients, including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. The role assesses and manages patients’ responses to home dialysis training and treatment according to established protocols, and communicates patient-related issues to physicians as needed. As part of the End Stage Kidney Disease health care team, the RN participates in clinical decision-making, patient and family teaching, leadership functions, and quality improvement activities. The position primarily works in a clinic setting and conducts initial home visits with another staff member present. It functions as an onsite patient educator and case manager, empowering and training patients in peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis using formal training programs and equipment. The RN also collaborates with patients, home care partners, and the care team to support safe and effective home dialysis care. Paid one-on-one training and education are provided.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Current appropriate state licensure and compliance with practice requirements in the state of employment.
Current CPR BLS certification or successful completion of CPR BLS certification.
Entry-level role for RNs with less than 2 years of nephrology nursing experience as a Registered Nurse.
Must complete Fresenius Kidney Care education and training requirements for new employees before being assigned oversight of other staff.
At least 12 months of RN experience and 3 months of RN experience in home peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis are required for assigned oversight of other staff.
Ability to meet the physical demands of direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with ambulation, and lifting or moving equipment and patients.
Ability to participate in on-call coverage and work nights, weekends, or holidays as required by program needs.
Ability to travel to training sites, other facilities, or patient homes as required.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred.
Home dialysis therapy experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform essential functions under the direction of the Supervisor, with guidance from an Educator or Preceptor, or in collaboration with another Registered Nurse.
Collect and analyze dialysis data for assigned patients, document findings, modify treatment plans as indicated, and notify the Supervisor or physician as needed.
Assess and document patients’ and families’ learning needs and provide initial and ongoing education.
Coordinate and provide safe, effective dialysis therapy in collaboration with patients, home care partners, and direct and ancillary care staff.
Administer prescribed medications or medications under approved algorithms, and document medical justification and effectiveness.
Initiate or assist with emergency response measures.
Serve as a resource to the health care team and participate in staff training and new-staff orientation as assigned.
Ensure laboratory specimens are collected, processed, and shipped correctly, and reschedule missed or insufficient collections.
Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team to identify expected outcomes and document and update nursing assessments and plans of care.
Ensure patients are aware of transplant and treatment modality options.
Assist in identifying, evaluating, selecting, and educating home dialysis candidates and home partners.
Assess barriers in a candidate’s home environment and evaluate home partner and family readiness and ability to perform dialysis treatments.
Train home dialysis patients and home partners in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of home dialysis equipment and supplies through a formal training program.
Complete CAP requirements for advancement.
Rotate coverage with other licensed home therapies staff as assigned, including participation in the on-call rotation and coverage for nights, weekends, or holidays as program needs require.
Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor.