Outpatient Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

Functions as a Staff Registered Nurse on a hemodialysis health care team, providing quality daily patient care in accordance with Fresenius Medical Services (FMS) policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, values, customer service philosophy, Compliance Program, Quality Enhancement Program, and continuous quality improvement activities. The role oversees and coordinates patient care staff, assesses patient needs, delegates and monitors care, and provides safe and effective hemodialysis treatment. The nurse assesses patients’ responses to therapy, implements prescribed treatment plans, provides renal-disease and treatment education to patients and families, coordinates with physicians and other health care professionals, and documents care and treatment information in the medical information system. The position also involves laboratory and medication-related responsibilities, emergency readiness, infection control, equipment and facility safety, patient record and care-plan completion, and participation in quality improvement activities. The job involves direct patient care and may require coverage at area facilities as directed by management.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Current appropriate state licensure and compliance with practice requirements in the state of employment.
Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
Successfully complete CPR certification.
Meet applicable state requirements.
Meet the necessary requirements of the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.
Ability to provide coverage at any or all area facilities as required by management.
ICD-9 coding training.
Nurses Technical Training.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of one year of medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.
Hemodialysis experience preferred.
ICU experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and monitor patient care technicians and other direct patient care staff to ensure safe, effective care consistent with facility procedures and regulations.
Assess daily patient care needs and develop patient care assignments; delegate tasks to appropriate staff.
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, laboratory values, adequacy measures, transplant and modality options, and related health conditions.
Provide and monitor hemodialysis care, implement treatment prescriptions, assess patient responses, adjust treatment plans as indicated, and communicate concerns to the Team Leader or physician.
Conduct initial, annual, and ongoing nursing assessments and document patient care needs and evaluations.
Participate in the 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, and provide or supervise hemodialysis access care.
Implement and monitor prescribed interdialytic transfusions and notify the physician and blood supplier of adverse reactions as appropriate.
Review, transcribe, and enter physician orders and laboratory orders into the Medical Information System; ensure orders are entered accurately and promptly.
Oversee specimen collection, tube selection, processing, packaging, shipment, delivery, and follow-through on missed or insufficient specimens in accordance with company and DOT procedures.
Report abnormal, alert, or panic laboratory results to the appropriate physician and forward results as requested.
Maintain safe 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 health care team members to interpret, adjust, and coordinate patient care.
Assist patients with prescription refills in accordance with FMCNA policies.
Maintain the facility drug list and administer prescribed or approved-algorithm medications; document medical justification, medication effectiveness, and controlled substances as required.
Maintain competency in emergency procedures, initiate CPR and emergency measures when needed, and ensure emergency equipment is available and verified.
Ensure appropriate vaccinations, immunizations, and annual TB testing are provided.
Coordinate patient transportation when necessary.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary dialysis treatment area; ensure equipment, patient stations, machines, and chairs are clean and correctly positioned; respond to blood spills according to policy.
Ensure competency in safe operation of dialysis equipment and accurate documentation of patient, treatment, order, laboratory, vital-sign, and status information.
Implement patient admission, transfer, and discharge procedures; verify patient care technician documentation and treatment sheets.
Follow opening and closing procedures and monitor that staff and patients have safely left the premises.
Initiate, document, and complete ongoing CQI activities, including monthly reports; complete monthly nurses’ progress notes.
Ensure patient medical records are complete and properly identified; complete care plans, long-term programs, Nursing History and Assessment physicals, and Annual Standing Order Reviews as required.
Review transplant status and follow established procedures.
Provide coverage at area facilities as required by management and perform additional assigned duties.