Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Home Therapies RN CAP 1 is an entry-level designation in the Clinical Advancement Program. The nurse provides and coordinates clinically competent care for an assigned group of patients, including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. The role assesses and manages patients’ responses to home dialysis training and treatment according to prescribed protocols, communicating patient-related issues to physicians as needed. As part of the End Stage Kidney Disease health care team, the nurse participates in decision-making, teaching, leadership, and quality improvement activities that support patient outcomes and facility operations. The position primarily works in a clinic and conducts initial home visits with another staff member present. It serves as an onsite patient educator and case manager, training and supporting patients and home partners in peritoneal and home hemodialysis. Paid one-on-one training and education are provided. The nurse works under the direction of a Supervisor, with guidance from an Educator or Preceptor or in collaboration with another Registered Nurse. Duties are performed in accordance with company policies, nursing standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Current appropriate state nursing licensure and compliance with practice requirements in the state of employment.
Current CPR BLS certification or successful completion of CPR BLS certification.
Entry-level role for RNs with less than 2 years of nephrology nursing experience as a Registered Nurse.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving regular heavy lifting, moving equipment and patients, and assisting with ambulation; frequent prolonged standing and bending; occasional assisted movement of machines and equipment weighing up to 200 pounds; and lifting chemical and water solutions weighing up to 30 pounds as high as 5 feet.
Ability to work in a health care environment with moderate noise and possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials.
Ability to travel to training sites, other facilities, and patient homes as required.
Ability to work on-call rotations and night, weekend, or holiday coverage as required by program needs.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience as a Registered Nurse (preferred).
Home dialysis therapy experience (preferred).
For assigned oversight of staff as a Team Leader or designated Nurse in charge: completion of all FKC new-employee education and training requirements, at least 12 months of RN experience, and 3 months of RN experience in home peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis.

Responsibilities

Collect and analyze dialysis data for assigned patients, document findings, modify treatment plans when indicated, and notify the Supervisor or physician as needed.
Assess and document patient and family learning needs, and provide initial and ongoing education.
Coordinate and provide safe, effective dialysis therapy with the patient, home care partner, and direct and ancillary care staff.
Administer prescribed medications or medications under approved algorithms, and document medical justification and effectiveness.
Initiate or assist with emergency response measures.
Serve as a resource to the health care team and participate in staff training and new-staff orientation as assigned.
Ensure laboratory specimens are collected, processed, and shipped correctly; reschedule missed or insufficient collections.
Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team to identify expected outcomes and document and update nursing assessments and plans of care.
Ensure patients are aware of transplant and treatment-modality options.
Help identify, evaluate, select, and educate Home Dialysis candidates and Home Partners.
Assess the home environment and identify barriers, including partner or family readiness and ability to perform home dialysis treatments.
Train Home Dialysis patients and/or Home Partners to safely and effectively operate and maintain home dialysis equipment and supplies through a formal training program.
Complete CAP requirements to advance.
Rotate coverage with other licensed home therapies staff and participate in on-call coverage, including night, weekend, and holiday coverage as program needs require.
Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor.