New Graduate Registered Nurse

Fresenius Medical Care•Silver Spring, MD

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 daily patient care in accordance with FMS policies, procedures, and training. Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, values, customer service philosophy, Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program and FMS patient care and administrative policies. Employees must obtain their nursing license and registration within the timeframe specified by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever comes sooner. The role includes directing and supporting patient care staff; educating patients and families about end-stage renal disease, dialysis, and related health needs; providing and monitoring hemodialysis treatment; coordinating laboratory procedures, medications, documentation, and patient care; and maintaining a safe, clean treatment environment. The nurse collaborates with physicians and other health care team members, monitors patient status and treatment response, and completes required clinical and quality documentation. The position involves direct patient care and regular heavy lifting and moving of patients, assisting with ambulation, frequent and prolonged standing, bending, and occasional movement of machines and equipment with assistance. The employee may also lift chemical and water solutions. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, 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 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 working in a challenging environment involving demanding situations, multitasking, and flexibility as needs change.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Be able to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, assisting with ambulation, and occasional assisted movement of equipment and lifting of solutions.
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 appropriate patient care assignments, and monitor staff techniques and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
Participate in staff training, new-staff orientation, and required staff meetings.
Educate patients and families about ESRD, renal disease, vascular access, dialysis therapy, diet and fluid management, medications, adequacy measures, transplant and modality awareness, and laboratory values.
Provide safe and effective hemodialysis care, implement treatment prescriptions, assess patient responses, and adjust or communicate treatment concerns as appropriate.
Initiate nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations; participate in the pre-evaluation, initiation, monitoring, termination, access homeostasis, and post-evaluation of hemodialysis treatments.
Intervene when patient adequacy status or access flow issues require attention, and provide, supervise, and monitor hemodialysis access care.
Implement and monitor prescribed interdialytic transfusions, document patient responses, and report adverse reactions to the physician and blood supplier as appropriate.
Ensure accurate and complete patient-care documentation, including Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets and information entered into the Medical Information System.
Review, transcribe, and enter physician laboratory orders; prepare requisitions and specimens; follow up on missed or insufficient specimens; arrange proper specimen packaging and delivery; and report abnormal or alert laboratory results.
Enforce company policies and applicable state and federal regulations, and maintain safe, efficient, and effective shift operations.
Serve as a resource for staff, meet routinely with the Clinical Manager, and collaborate with physicians and other health care team members to coordinate patient care.
Assist patients with prescription refills and transportation coordination as needed.
Maintain the facility drug list for required stock medications and ensure physician orders are entered in a timely manner.
Maintain competency in emergency procedures, initiate CPR and emergency measures when needed, and verify the availability of emergency equipment.
Ensure appropriate vaccinations, immunizations, and annual TB testing; administer prescribed or protocol-based medications and document required assessments and controlled substances.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary dialysis treatment area; operate dialysis-related equipment safely; ensure patient stations and equipment are clean and properly placed; and address blood spills according to policy.
Ensure appropriate documentation of patient data and implementation of admission, transfer, and discharge policies; verify Patient Care Technician documentation.
Review daily treatment sheets and ensure appropriate opening and closing procedures, including confirming that staff and patients have safely left the premises.
Initiate, document, and complete monthly CQI activities and reports; complete monthly nurses’ progress notes; maintain complete medical records; review transplant status; and complete required care plans and long-term programs.
Complete initial and annual Nursing History and Assessment physicals and annual standing-order reviews with physicians.
Maintain required credentials and certifications in active, valid status, report credential changes to a supervisor, maintain regular and punctual attendance, and perform other related duties as assigned.