Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN - Acute Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Oklahoma City, OK

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy to assigned patients in an acute setting. Provides care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and follows prescribed treatment plans, FMCNA policies and procedures, training, and applicable corporate, state, and federal regulations. The role includes performing dialysis procedures, monitoring patients and equipment, documenting treatment information, reporting significant changes or concerns to the Hemodialysis RN, and supporting a safe and sanitary care environment. The LPN/LVN may set up and prime equipment for renal replacement therapies when documented competency and proficiency have been established and as directed by the Hemodialysis RN. The position also supports patient education reinforcement, quality improvement activities, staff training, and other duties assigned by the Program Manager. Work includes direct patient care in a healthcare facility, interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, and travel between assigned and community locations.

Requirements

Current appropriate state licensure.
Successful completion of a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
Successful completion of CPR certification.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Employees 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

Six months of hemodialysis experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide care to assigned acute-setting patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, as permitted by state requirements.
Perform technical aspects of prescribed dialysis procedures and monitor treatments according to the current treatment plan and direction of the Hemodialysis RN.
Report and document unusual incidents, complaints, problems, significant information, patient-condition changes, and equipment problems to the Hemodialysis RN.
Help maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary treatment environment and support the FMCNA Quality Enhancement Program and quality assessment and performance improvement activities.
Set up and prime equipment for hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement, and peritoneal dialysis therapies when competency and proficiency are documented and as directed by the Hemodialysis RN.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation as permitted by state requirements, monitor access and treatment pressures, intervene as appropriate, and report difficulties or unusual findings.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, perform patient identification and evaluations, and report findings to the RN for documentation and follow-up.
Accurately record treatment information, vital signs, and treatment parameters in the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS), Acute Care Electronic System (ACES), and patient record.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are used for every treatment and initiate renal replacement therapy according to prescribed orders, including setting blood and dialysate flow rates.
Collect and label specimens and ensure timely delivery to the laboratory according to facility policy.
Identify intradialytic problems and provide interventions as prescribed by physician orders or directed by the Hemodialysis RN; document interventions and patient responses.
Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures; obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, and evaluate the patient before discharge.
Initiate basic CPR and respond to emergencies related to dialysis treatment.
Reinforce education provided to patients by the RN.
Safely operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment according to procedures and troubleshoot equipment when necessary.
Address blood spills promptly according to FMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control Policies.
Participate in scheduled staff meetings, assigned staff training and new-employee orientation, and in-service classes on dialysis principles and techniques.
Perform additional duties assigned by the Program Manager.