New Graduate Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Slidell, LA

About The Position

Functions as part of a hemodialysis health care team as a Registered Nurse Applicant, under the direction or supervision of a Staff Registered Nurse, to provide quality daily patient care in accordance with company policies, procedures, and training. Supports the company’s mission, vision, values, customer service philosophy, Quality Enhancement Program, and continuous quality improvement activities. Employees hired into this position must obtain their nursing license and registration within the period required by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever occurs sooner. The role provides and coordinates care for patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis. It includes assessing patient needs and responses to treatment, implementing prescribed treatment plans, educating patients and families, administering medications, coordinating with physicians and other healthcare professionals, and ensuring accurate clinical documentation and laboratory processes. The nurse also supports and monitors patient-care staff, maintains a safe and sanitary treatment environment, and participates in quality improvement and facility operations. The position involves direct patient care in a healthcare facility. It regularly requires heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation, frequent and prolonged standing, and bending. With assistance, the employee may occasionally move machines or equipment weighing up to 200 pounds and lift chemical or water solutions weighing up to 30 pounds to a height of five feet. The environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. An Ishihara color blindness test is required as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.
Obtain nursing license and registration within the timeline required by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever occurs first.
Current appropriate state Temporary Permit.
Meet the practice requirements of the state in which employed.
0–1 year of related experience.
Maintain any required credentials or certifications in active and valid status, including renewal before expiration, and notify a supervisor immediately if credential or certification status changes.
Ability to handle demanding situations, multitask, and remain flexible as needs change.
Ability to perform the physical functions of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assisted movement of equipment and supplies.
Take the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Responsibilities

Direct and monitor patient-care staff, delegate tasks, assess daily care needs, develop assignments, and support staff training, orientation, and meetings.
Provide safe and effective hemodialysis care to patients with end-stage renal disease, implementing treatment prescriptions and assessing and responding to patients’ treatment responses.
Initiate and document nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations; participate in pre-evaluation, treatment initiation and monitoring, termination, access homeostasis, and post-evaluation.
Educate patients and families about renal disease, vascular access, dialysis therapy, diet and fluid intake, medications, laboratory values, treatment adequacy, transplant and modality awareness, and related health conditions.
Communicate patient concerns, treatment issues, and abnormal or alert laboratory results to the Team Leader, physician, or other appropriate parties; coordinate care with physicians and the healthcare team.
Provide, supervise when applicable, and monitor hemodialysis access care; troubleshoot access flow and adequacy issues and take appropriate action.
Implement and document prescribed transfusions and medications, monitor patient responses, report adverse reactions, and maintain required controlled-substance records.
Review, transcribe, and enter physician orders and laboratory orders; prepare requisitions, ensure proper specimen collection, processing, packaging, and delivery, and follow up on missed or insufficient specimens.
Ensure accurate and complete patient records, treatment sheets, vital signs, treatment parameters, physician orders, and other patient information in the Medical Information System.
Oversee daily documentation and opening and closing procedures, including confirming staff and patients have safely left the premises.
Initiate and complete monthly Continuous Quality Improvement activities and reports, nurses’ progress notes, patient care plans, and other scheduled or long-term documentation.
Complete initial and annual nursing history and physical assessments and annual standing-order reviews with physicians; review transplant status and follow established procedures.
Enforce company policies and applicable state and federal regulations, maintain safe and efficient shift operations, and act as a resource for other staff.
Maintain emergency readiness, verify emergency equipment, and initiate CPR and other emergency measures when needed.
Ensure appropriate vaccinations, immunizations, and annual tuberculosis testing; assist patients with prescription refills and transportation coordination when necessary.
Maintain the facility drug list for required stock medications and ensure the treatment area, stations, machines, and chairs are clean, safe, and sanitary.
Maintain competency in the safe operation of dialysis equipment and ensure blood spills are handled according to company policy.
Maintain required credentials and certifications, regular and punctual attendance, and flexibility in a demanding environment; perform other related duties as assigned.