Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Salem, OR

About The Position

Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy while complying with the FMCNA Compliance Program, regulatory requirements, and FMS policies. As part of the home therapy health care team, provides safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and participates in implementing and evaluating patient care. Under a Registered Nurse’s direction, provides patient care in accordance with physician orders, applicable nursing laws, company policies, and regulatory requirements. Supports home dialysis candidates and patients through assessment, training, monitoring, documentation, coordination of treatment, equipment and supply management, and response to problems or emergencies. Collaborates with the Home Therapy RN/Coordinator or Manager and physicians, and supports education for patients and staff. The role involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and health care staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility, with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials may occur. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

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.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care under a Registered Nurse’s direction, following physician orders, state nursing laws, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
Administer intravenous medication in accordance with physician orders and state nursing laws.
Assist the Home Therapy RN/Coordinator in identifying, evaluating, and training candidates for the home dialysis program.
Document patient training and treatment accurately in patient records and the Medical Information System.
Monitor, assess, and intervene in the care of home patients, including through home visits, clinical appointments, training sessions or reviews, laboratory studies, and annual studies such as x-rays and EKGs.
Respond appropriately to patient problems and emergencies and take appropriate actions to resolve them.
Follow patient supply procedures, document appropriately, and ensure maintenance of durable medical equipment, including preventive maintenance and water analysis.
Conduct monthly chart audits and report results to the RN/Coordinator or Manager.
Monitor peritonitis rates and PET test results and report outcomes to attending physicians, the Quality Assurance Committee, and the Home Therapy RN/Coordinator or Manager.
Collaborate with physicians on treatment-plan changes under the direction of the Home Therapy RN/Coordinator or Manager.
Coordinate with the Home Therapy RN/Coordinator or Manager and physician to schedule backup treatments when necessary.
Educate pre-dialysis and existing ESRD patients about treatment options.
Prepare home supply inventory packages and monitor efficient use of supplies.
Maintain knowledge of dialysis equipment used in the program and field, including hemodialysis machines, water treatment systems, peritoneal cyclers, and peritoneal assist devices; attend scheduled in-service classes to keep current on dialysis practices and techniques.
Troubleshoot equipment problems with patients by telephone and ensure appropriate resolution.
Address blood spills immediately according to FMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control Policies.
Participate in scheduled staff meetings and assist with short- and long-term patient care plan meetings.
Assist with educational in-services about home therapies for in-center staff, hospitals, and nursing programs as needed.
Participate in training facility staff on the FMS Customer Service Model.
Serve as a resource for other staff members and perform other duties as assigned.
Drive FMS customer service standards, maintain effective relationships through timely communication, and respond to and follow up on customer service issues.