Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Northridge, OH

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 using prescribed 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 decision-making, patient education, leadership functions, and quality improvement activities that support patient outcomes and facility operations. The RN works under a Supervisor’s direction, with guidance from an Educator or Preceptor or in collaboration with another RN. Responsibilities include collecting and documenting dialysis data, coordinating care and education with patients and families, administering medications, supporting emergency response, and training patients and home partners to safely operate and maintain home dialysis equipment. The position may include assigned oversight of other care team members after the stated education and experience requirements are met. The role involves direct patient care, regular heavy lifting and movement of equipment or patients, frequent prolonged standing and bending, possible exposure to infectious materials, and work in a healthcare facility. The RN may rotate coverage, participate in an on-call rotation, work nights, weekends, or holidays according to program needs, and travel to training sites, other facilities, or patient homes.

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 designation for RNs with less than 2 years of Nephrology Nursing experience as a Registered Nurse.
Must complete all FKC education and training requirements for new employees before taking on the stated oversight responsibilities.
A minimum of 12 months of RN experience and 3 months of RN experience in home peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis are required for the stated oversight responsibilities.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving regular heavy lifting, moving equipment and patients, and assisting with ambulation.
Ability to stand for frequent, prolonged periods and bend over.
Ability, occasionally with assistance, to move machines and equipment weighing up to 200 pounds and lift chemical and water solutions weighing up to 30 pounds as high as 5 feet.
Ability to work in conditions that may include exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials.
Availability for assigned coverage rotation and on-call work, including nights, weekends, and holidays as program needs require.
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 and with guidance from an Educator, Preceptor, or another Registered Nurse.
Collect and analyze dialysis data for assigned patients, document findings in the medical record, adjust treatment plans as indicated, and notify the Supervisor or physician as needed.
Assess, collaborate on, 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 healthcare 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.
Identify expected outcomes and document and update nursing assessments and plans of care in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team.
Ensure patients are aware of transplant and treatment-modality options.
Assist with identifying, evaluating, selecting, and educating Home Dialysis candidates and Home Partners.
Assess barriers in candidates’ home environments and evaluate partner or family readiness and ability to perform home dialysis treatments.
Train Home Dialysis patients and/or Home Partners in safe, effective operation and maintenance of home dialysis equipment and supplies through a formal training program.
Complete CAP requirements for advancement.
Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor.
Provide assigned oversight of LPNs/LVNs, RNs, Patient Care Technicians, and Home Therapy Care Team Assistants as a Team Leader or designated Nurse in charge after meeting the stated training and experience requirements.
Rotate coverage with other licensed home therapies staff as assigned and participate in the on-call rotation.
Travel to training sites, other facilities, or patient homes when required.