New Graduate Registered Nurse

Fresenius Medical Care•Allentown, PA

About The Position

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team as a Registered Nurse Applicant under the direction or supervision of a Staff Registered Nurse, providing quality patient care in accordance with company policies, procedures, and training. Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, values, customer service philosophy, Quality Enhancement Program, and continuous quality improvement activities. Employees must obtain nursing licensure and registration within the period required by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever comes sooner. The role provides and coordinates hemodialysis care, assesses patient needs and responses to treatment, implements prescribed treatment plans, and communicates concerns to the Team Leader or physician. It includes educating patients and families about end-stage renal disease, dialysis, vascular access, treatment adequacy, medications, diet, fluids, transplantation, and care options. The nurse also supports and monitors patient care staff, maintains accurate clinical and administrative records, processes laboratory orders and specimens, administers prescribed medications, responds to emergencies, and helps maintain a clean, safe treatment environment. The position involves direct patient care in a healthcare facility. Work includes frequent and prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and occasionally moving equipment with assistance. Employees may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. The role requires the ability to handle demanding situations, multitask, and remain flexible to changing needs. No supervisory role is specified.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.
Must obtain nursing license and registration within the timeline defined by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever occurs first.
Current appropriate state Temporary Permit.
Must meet the practice requirements in the state of employment.
Maintain required credentials or certifications in active and valid status, including timely renewal.
Ability to handle demanding situations, multitask, and remain flexible to changing needs.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Ability to meet the physical demands of direct patient care, including prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and occasional assisted movement of equipment and lifting of solutions.
Must 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 and monitor patient care staff to ensure safe and effective hemodialysis therapy in compliance with facility procedures and applicable regulations.
Delegate tasks to direct patient care staff, assess daily patient care needs, and develop appropriate patient care assignments.
Monitor staff techniques and adherence to policies and procedures; participate in staff training, orientation, and required meetings.
Educate patients and families about end-stage renal disease, renal disease, vascular access, dialysis therapy, diet and fluid management, medication compliance, treatment adequacy, laboratory values, transplantation, and treatment options.
Provide safe and effective care to patients receiving hemodialysis and accurately implement prescribed treatment plans, including applicable sodium and ultrafiltration modeling.
Assess patient responses to treatment, adjust care as indicated, communicate concerns to the Team Leader or physician, and address changes in adequacy status or access flow issues.
Initiate and complete nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations; participate in pre-evaluation, treatment initiation, monitoring, termination, access homeostasis, and post-evaluation.
Provide, supervise when applicable, and monitor hemodialysis access care and prescribed transfusions; document patient responses and report adverse reactions appropriately.
Review, transcribe, and enter physician laboratory orders; prepare requisitions, collect and process specimens appropriately, follow up on missed or insufficient specimens, and report abnormal results.
Enforce company policies and applicable regulations, maintain safe and effective shift operations, act as a resource for staff, and coordinate care with physicians and other healthcare team members.
Transcribe physician orders, oversee patient documentation, maintain required medication lists and controlled-substance records, and assist with prescription refills and patient transportation when needed.
Maintain competency in emergency procedures, initiate CPR and emergency measures when required, and verify availability of emergency equipment.
Administer prescribed and PRN medications, document administration and effectiveness, and ensure appropriate vaccinations, immunizations, and annual tuberculosis testing.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary dialysis treatment area; operate dialysis-related equipment safely; ensure patient stations and equipment are clean and correctly positioned; respond to blood spills according to policy.
Ensure accurate and complete medical records, including physician orders, laboratory results, vital signs, treatment parameters, patient status, and treatment data in the Medical Information System.
Review daily treatment sheets and staff documentation; follow patient admission, transfer, discharge, opening, and closing procedures.
Initiate, document, and complete monthly continuous quality improvement activities and reports; complete progress notes, care plans, long-term programs, and transplant-status reviews as required.
Complete initial and annual nursing histories and physical assessments and annual standing order reviews with physicians.
Maintain required credentials and certifications, regular and punctual attendance, and perform other related duties as assigned.