New Graduate RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Las Cruces, NM

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 the company’s mission, values, customer service philosophy, Quality Enhancement Program, continuous quality improvement activities, and compliance requirements. Employees must obtain their nursing license and registration within the timeframe specified by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever comes first. The role provides and coordinates chronic hemodialysis care for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including treatment delivery and monitoring, patient and family education, medication administration, laboratory coordination, documentation, and collaboration with physicians and the healthcare team. It also supports and directs patient care staff, maintains a safe treatment environment, ensures equipment competency and availability, and completes required quality, clinical, and medical-record activities. The position involves direct patient care, including heavy lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, frequent and prolonged standing, bending, and occasionally moving equipment with assistance. The healthcare facility environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Employees must take the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered. No supervisory responsibilities are listed.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.
Obtain nursing license and registration within the timeline specified by state regulations or within 90 days of hire, whichever comes first.
Current appropriate state Temporary Permit.
Meet the practice requirements in the state of employment.
Maintain any credentials or certifications required for the position in active and valid status.
Ability to handle demanding situations, multitask, and remain flexible as needs change.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including heavy lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, prolonged standing, bending, and occasional assisted movement of equipment and lifting of chemical and water solutions.
Take the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Responsibilities

Direct patient care staff in delivering safe and effective chronic hemodialysis therapy in compliance with facility procedures and applicable regulations.
Delegate tasks to direct patient care staff, including LVN/LPNs, Patient Care Technicians, and Dialysis Assistants.
Assess daily patient care needs and develop appropriate patient care assignments.
Monitor staff techniques and adherence to facility policies and procedures; participate in staff training, orientation, and required meetings.
Educate patients and families about ESRD, renal disease, vascular access, dialysis therapy, diet and fluid management, medication compliance, adequacy measures, transplant and modality awareness, and laboratory values.
Provide safe and effective hemodialysis care; implement treatment prescriptions and assess patient responses, making appropriate adjustments and communicating concerns to the Team Leader or physician.
Initiate and complete nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations and documentation of patient care needs.
Participate in pre-evaluation, initiation, monitoring, termination, access homeostasis, and post-evaluation of hemodialysis treatment.
Intervene when patient adequacy status changes or access-flow issues are identified; 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 about adverse reactions as appropriate.
Ensure Patient Care Technician documentation on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets is accurate and complete.
Review, transcribe, and enter physician laboratory orders; prepare requisitions and specimens; ensure proper collection, processing, packaging, delivery, and follow-up of laboratory samples and results.
Report alert, panic, and abnormal laboratory results to the appropriate physician and forward results as requested.
Enforce company policies and applicable regulations, and maintain safe, efficient, and effective shift operations.
Act as a resource for staff and communicate with the Clinical Manager about personnel and patient care matters.
Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and coordinate patient care.
Assist patients with prescription refills according to company policy; ensure physician orders are entered into the Medical Information System in a timely manner.
Oversee patient information documentation and maintain the facility drug list for required stock medications.
Maintain competency in emergency procedures, initiate CPR and emergency measures when needed, and verify adequate emergency equipment is available.
Ensure appropriate vaccinations, immunizations, and annual tuberculosis testing; administer and document prescribed medications, including PRN medications and controlled substances, as required.
Assist with coordinating patient transportation when necessary.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary dialysis treatment area; operate dialysis equipment safely and effectively; ensure patient stations, machines, and chairs are clean and appropriately placed; address blood spills according to policy.
Document physician orders, lab results, vital signs, treatment parameters, patient status, and other treatment data in the Medical Information System; implement patient admission, transfer, and discharge policies and verify staff documentation.
Review daily Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets and ensure required opening and closing procedures are followed, including confirming staff and patients have safely left the premises.
Initiate, document, and complete ongoing monthly CQI activities and reports; complete monthly nurses’ progress notes and maintain complete, accurate patient medical records.
Review transplant status and follow established procedures; complete care plans for new patients within 30 days and for unstable patients requiring monthly plans; complete due long-term programs.
Complete initial and annual nursing history and physical assessments and annual standing order reviews with physicians.
Maintain required credentials and certifications in active, valid status, notify a supervisor immediately of changes, maintain regular and punctual attendance, and perform other assigned related duties.