New Graduate Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

This position is for graduates of an accredited nursing school working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job title used depends on the state where the employee is employed. The employee works as part of the hemodialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse while working toward obtaining a nursing license. A nursing license must be obtained within 90 days of the hire date. The role includes providing patient care during dialysis treatments, preparing and maintaining treatment equipment and the care environment, documenting treatment and patient information, and handling laboratory specimens. Employees must maintain required credentials and certifications, attend work regularly and punctually, and be able to handle demanding situations, multitask, and adapt to changing needs. Other related duties may be assigned. The work takes place in a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Duties involve computer and desk use and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required, as may travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. Direct patient care regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation. The role requires frequent, prolonged standing and bending, occasional pushing or pulling equipment with up to 15 pounds of force, frequent lifting and lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds, and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet. Assistance from coworkers and material-assist devices is available for heavier items. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.
Obtain a nursing license within 90 days of employment.
Obtain and maintain required credentials or certifications in active and valid status, including renewal before expiration.
Ability to handle demanding situations, multitask, and remain flexible as needs change.
Ability to perform the described physical duties, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting or lowering solutions.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility.

Responsibilities

Evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weights, vital signs, and initial identification.
Cannulate vascular access and report cannulation difficulties or unusual findings to the nurse supervisor.
Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide interventions as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis therapy.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion, perform functions necessary to discontinue treatment, and document appropriately.
Evaluate patients before termination of venous access, including standing and sitting blood pressure.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
Evaluate patients before discharge.
Document patient treatment information in the patient health record.
Report significant information or changes in patient condition directly to the nurse supervisor.
Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document patient responses.
Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
Prepare for dialysis treatments and document preparation as appropriate.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics and ensure areas are safe and clean.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy.
Perform required pretreatment dialysis machine setup and testing.
Immediately clean blood spills using appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and efficiently use supplies and equipment to prevent waste.
Enter treatment data accurately and promptly into the designated clinical application.
Review health care records for completeness and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected where appropriate.
Prepare laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens according to laboratory destination.
Collect, label, prepare, and store laboratory samples according to laboratory specifications.
Ensure laboratory specimens are collected by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Obtain and maintain required credentials and certifications in active, valid status, renew them before expiration, and immediately notify a supervisor if credential or certification status changes.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance and perform other related duties as assigned.