New Graduate Nurse

Purpose and Scope

This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse while working towards obtaining their nursing license. Employees hired into this position will be required to obtain their nursing license within 90 days of their hire date.

Patient Care

• Performs vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.
• Performs and records Pre and Post dialysis evaluation, weight and vital signs with initial identification.
• Performs vascular access cannulation and reports any difficulties in cannulation or unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Initiates dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluates intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
• Monitors patients' response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion; performs all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment and documents appropriately.
• Evaluates patients prior to termination of venous access - standing & sitting blood pressure.
• Obtains hemostasis and applies appropriate dressings.
• Evaluates the patient prior to discharge.
• Documents information related to patient treatment including documentation in the patient health record.
• Reports any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the nurse supervisor.
• Performs and documents interventions for unusual patient status and documents patients' response to intervention.
• Obtains all prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for collection.

Maintenance / Technical

• Conducts all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and documents where appropriate.
• Maintains environmental integrity and aesthetics - ensures all areas are safe and clean.
• Cleans and disinfects dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
• Performs all required pretreatment dialysis machine set up and testing.
• Ensures that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectants according to facility policy.
• Prepares, organizes, and efficiently utilizes supplies and equipment to prevent waste.

Clerical & Administrative

• Enters all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and in a timely manner.
• Reviews health care record for completeness and ensures omitted entries are completed or corrected where appropriate.
• Prepares lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination.
• Collects, labels, appropriately prepares and stores lab samples according to required laboratory specifications.
• Ensures collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.

Other

• As a condition of continued employment, required to obtain and maintain any required credentials or certifications necessary for the position in an active and valid status.
• Capable of working in a challenging environment which requires the ability to handle demanding situations, multitasking, and remaining flexible to changing needs.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Required Credentials

• Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.

Experience and Skills

• Required to obtain nursing license within 90 days of employment.