Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN

Fresenius Medical Care•Albany, NY

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse supports Fresenius Medical Care North America’s mission, vision, core values, compliance requirements, and customer service philosophy. As part of the hemodialysis health care team, the LPN provides safe and effective dialysis therapy to assigned patients under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, participates in implementing and evaluating patient care, reports and documents significant or unusual incidents, and helps maintain a safe, clean work environment. The role includes direct patient care, carrying out prescribed dialysis procedures and treatments, monitoring and documenting treatment and patient information, reporting changes in condition or equipment problems, and supporting patient and family education about end-stage renal disease, dialysis, diet, and medications. The LPN also administers intravenous medication in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws, responds to emergencies, operates and troubleshoots dialysis and emergency equipment, and collaborates with other staff and care-team professionals. The position involves desk and computer work as well as frequent, prolonged standing, bending, and direct patient care that regularly includes lifting or moving patients and assisting with ambulation. With assistance, the employee may occasionally move equipment weighing up to 200 pounds and lift chemical water solutions weighing up to 30 pounds. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The work takes place in a health care facility and may involve exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN).
Current appropriate state licensure.
Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
Successfully complete CPR certification.
Complete the Nurses Technical Training Program upon hire or soon thereafter.
Meet the requirements of Ishihara’s Color Blindness test as a condition of employment.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to provide coverage at area facilities during short-staffing or as required.

Nice To Haves

One year of medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.
Hemodialysis experience preferred but not required.
ICU experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care to assigned patients.
Perform prescribed technical aspects of dialysis procedures and administer and monitor treatments according to the treatment plan or supervisor’s direction.
Monitor and document dialysis treatment parameters, patient condition, and other relevant information in patient records.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, equipment problems, and unusual incidents to the supervisor.
Assist with patient and family education concerning end-stage renal disease, dialysis therapy, diet, and medications.
Assist with emergency operational procedures, initiate basic CPR in the event of cardiac or pulmonary arrest, and respond to dialysis-related emergencies.
Administer intravenous medication in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws.
Conduct and document pre-, interim, and post-treatment reviews of patient condition.
Operate dialysis and emergency equipment safely and according to procedures; provide minor troubleshooting as needed.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary treatment area, and address blood spills according to company bloodborne pathogen policies.
Participate in staff meetings, patient care plan meetings, and scheduled in-service classes.
Act as a resource for other staff members and assist in coordinating patient care plans with the physician, dietitian, and social worker.
Provide coverage at area facilities during short-staffing or as required.
Respond to customer service issues and maintain effective, timely communication and relationships with customers and colleagues.
Perform other duties as assigned.