Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Lafayette, 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 an assigned group of 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 contributes to clinical decision-making, patient teaching, leadership, and quality-improvement activities that support patient outcomes and facility operations. The role provides one-on-one training and education to patients learning peritoneal or home hemodialysis. It primarily works in a clinic setting, with initial home visits conducted alongside another staff member. The nurse functions as an onsite patient educator and case manager, coordinating with patients, home care partners, families, and other care-team members. Work is performed according to Fresenius Kidney Care policies, nursing practice standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.

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 RN designation for nurses with less than 2 years of nephrology nursing experience as an RN.
Must meet Fresenius Kidney Care education and training requirements applicable to the role.
Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent prolonged standing and bending; regular heavy lifting, moving equipment and patients, and assisting with ambulation; occasionally moving equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. with assistance; and lifting chemical and water solutions weighing up to 30 lbs. as high as 5 feet.
Must be able to work in a health care environment and may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases or materials.
May be required to travel to training sites, other facilities, or patient homes.
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, or other hours according to program needs and participate in an on-call rotation.

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 RN.
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 with the patient, home care partner, and direct and ancillary patient-care staff.
Administer prescribed medications or medications under approved algorithms, documenting 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; 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 the home environment and identify barriers, including partner or family readiness and ability to perform home dialysis treatments.
Train Home Dialysis patients and/or Home Partners in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of home dialysis equipment and supplies through the formal training program.
Complete CAP requirements to advance.
Rotate coverage with other licensed home therapies staff and participate in the on-call rotation as program needs require.
Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor.