New Graduate Nurse

Fresenius Medical Care•Newberry, SC

13d

About The Position

The New Graduate Nurse functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team as a Registered Nurse Applicant, under the direction or supervision of a Staff Registered Nurse, to provide quality patient care in accordance with Fresenius Medical Services (FMS) policies, procedures, and training. The role supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, values, customer service philosophy, Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Employees must obtain their nursing license and registration within the timeframe set by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever comes sooner. The position provides and coordinates hemodialysis care for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including treatment implementation and monitoring, patient and family education, medication administration, laboratory coordination, clinical documentation, and collaboration with physicians and the health care team. The nurse also supports and monitors patient-care staff, maintains a safe and sanitary treatment area, and helps ensure compliance with company policies and applicable state and federal requirements. This role involves direct patient care and regular heavy lifting and patient movement. Work takes place in a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials may occur. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment, though failing the test does not automatically preclude employment and reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.
Obtain a nursing license and registration within the timeline defined by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever occurs first.
Hold a current appropriate state Temporary Permit.
Meet the practice requirements in the state of employment.
Maintain any required credentials or certifications in active and valid status, including timely renewal.
Be capable of handling demanding situations, multitasking, and adapting to changing needs.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Be able to perform the role’s physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, assisting with ambulation, occasionally moving machines and equipment up to 200 pounds with assistance, and lifting chemical and water solutions up to 30 pounds as high as 5 feet.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care Technicians and delegate tasks to direct patient care staff, including LVN/LPNs, Patient Care Technicians, and Dialysis Assistants.
Assess daily patient care needs, develop patient care assignments, monitor staff techniques and adherence to policies, and participate in staff training, orientation, and required meetings.
Provide education to patients and families about ESRD, renal disease, vascular access, dialysis therapy, diet and fluid, medications, adequacy measures, transplant and modality awareness, and laboratory values.
Provide safe hemodialysis care; implement prescribed treatments, assess patient response, adjust treatment plans as indicated, and communicate concerns to the Team Leader or physician.
Complete initial, annual, and ongoing nursing assessments and documentation; participate in pre-evaluation, treatment initiation and monitoring, termination, access homeostasis, and post-evaluation.
Intervene when patient adequacy status changes and troubleshoot access-flow issues identified through OLC/AMP; provide, supervise when applicable, and monitor hemodialysis access care.
Implement and monitor prescribed interdialytic transfusions, document patient responses, and notify the physician and blood supplier of adverse reactions as appropriate.
Ensure Patient Care Technician documentation and Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets are accurate and complete.
Review, transcribe, and enter physician laboratory orders; prepare requisitions; ensure appropriate specimen collection, processing, packaging, routing, and follow-up; report abnormal results and forward results to physicians as requested.
Enforce company policies and applicable state and federal regulations; maintain safe, efficient, and effective shift operations and serve as a resource for staff.
Meet with the Clinical Manager regarding personnel and patient-care matters, and collaborate with physicians and other health care team members to coordinate care.
Assist patients with prescription refills and transportation coordination as needed; enter physician orders and oversee patient information documentation.
Maintain the facility drug list and competency in emergency procedures; initiate CPR and emergency measures when needed and verify emergency equipment availability.
Ensure appropriate vaccinations, immunizations, and annual tuberculosis testing; administer and document medications, including PRN medications and controlled substances, as required.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary treatment area; operate dialysis equipment safely; ensure stations, machines, and chairs are clean and correctly positioned; address blood spills according to policy.
Document relevant physician orders, laboratory results, vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient status in the Medical Information System; implement patient admission, transfer, and discharge policies and verify documentation accuracy.
Review daily completion of treatment sheets and follow opening and closing procedures, including confirming staff and patients have safely left the premises.
Initiate, document, and complete monthly CQI activities and reports; complete monthly nurses’ progress notes and maintain complete, properly identified medical records.
Review transplant status and follow applicable procedures; complete care plans for new patients within 30 days and for unstable patients as required; complete due long-term programs.
Complete initial and annual Nursing History and Assessment physicals and annual Standing Order Reviews with physicians as required.
Maintain required credentials and certifications in active, valid status and notify a supervisor of any change in credential status.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance, adapt to demanding situations and changing needs, and perform other related duties as assigned.