Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN

Fresenius Medical Care•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) works as the Home Caregiver LPN/LVN on the Home Therapies dialysis health care team. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the role provides direct care and intravenous medication to assigned patients in their homes in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws. The nurse supports quality home patient care, FMCNA’s quality and improvement programs, compliance requirements, and customer service standards. The position helps identify, evaluate, and train candidates for home dialysis; monitors and assesses home patients; documents training and treatment; and coordinates care, supplies, equipment, and treatments with the Home Therapy team and physicians. It also supports staff education, contributes to patient care conferences and meetings, and maintains knowledge of dialysis equipment and techniques. Work involves desk and computer tasks, interaction with patients and care teams, and travel between a facility, patients’ homes, and community locations. The work environment may include exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN).
Current appropriate state licensure.
At least 2 years of hemodialysis experience.
Successful completion of a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
Successful completion of CPR certification.
Ability to work independently to manage emergencies.
Must complete the Nurses Technical Training Program upon hire or soon thereafter.
Successful completion of the Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Home Caregiver Orientation and Training.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

One year of medical-surgical nursing experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care and administer intravenous medication to assigned home patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws.
Assist the Home Therapy Supervisor in identifying, evaluating, and training candidates for the home dialysis program.
Accurately document patient training and treatment in the medical record and Medical Information System.
Monitor, assess, and intervene in the care of home patients, including through home visits, additional training or reviews, lab studies, and annual studies such as X-rays and EKGs.
Follow patient supply and inventory procedures, document appropriately, and ensure maintenance of durable medical equipment, including preventive maintenance and water analysis.
Perform monthly chart audits and report results to the supervisor; report outcomes to the Home Therapy Manager/Coordinator or attending physician as appropriate.
Revise the Patient Plan of Care with signed physician orders under the direction of the Home Therapy Manager/Coordinator.
Schedule backup treatments when necessary in collaboration with the Home Therapy Manager and physician.
Participate in patient education about treatment options as assigned.
Maintain current knowledge of dialysis equipment used in the program and field, including hemodialysis machines and water treatment systems.
Troubleshoot equipment problems with technical personnel via telephone communication.
Participate in scheduled staff meetings and patient care conferences, and review Patient Plans of Care as required.
Attend scheduled in-service classes to maintain knowledge of current dialysis principles and techniques.
Provide educational in-services about home therapies to in-center staff, hospitals, or nursing programs as assigned.
Act as a resource for other staff members.
Deliver timely customer service, maintain effective communication and relationships, and respond to and follow up on customer service issues.
Participate in training facility staff in the principles, concepts, and practice of the FMS Customer Service Model.
Participate in process improvement and quality activities, including those related to patient satisfaction.
Perform other duties as assigned.