Registered Nurse - RN - Dialysis

Purpose and Scope

The professional registered nurse Outpatient RN CAP 3 is a designation in the Clinical Advancement Program (CAP) and is attained through advancement from RN CAP 2. This position is accountable and responsible for the provision and coordination of clinically competent care including assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation for an assigned group of patients. This may include delegation of appropriate tasks to direct patient care staff including but not limited to RNs, LVN/LPNs and Patient Care Technicians. As a member of the End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) health care team, this position participates in decision-making, teaching, leadership functions, and quality improvement activities that enhance patient care outcomes and facility operations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs all essential functions under the direction of the Supervisor and with guidance from the Clinical Educator, Preceptor or in collaboration with other Registered Nurses.
• Performs ongoing, systematic collection and analysis of patient data pre – during – post hemodialysis treatment for assigned patients and documents in the patient medical record, makes adjustments or modifications to treatment plan as indicated and notifies Team Leader, Charge Nurse, Supervisor or Physician as needed.
• Assesses, collaborates and documents patient/family's basic learning needs to provide initial and ongoing education to patients and family.
• Directs and provides, in collaboration with direct and ancillary patient care staff, all aspects of the daily provision of safe and effective delivery of hemodialysis therapy to assigned patients.
• Administers medications as prescribed or in accordance with approved algorithm(s), and documents appropriate medical justification and effectiveness.
• Initiates or assists with emergency response measures.
• Serves as a resource, leader, coach, mentor and role model for new and incumbent employees by setting examples of appropriate behavior, work habits and attitudes towards patients, co-workers, supervisors and the company at the facility, area and regional level.
• Ensures correct laboratory collection, processing and shipping procedures are performed and reschedules missed or insufficient laboratory collections.
• Identifies expected outcomes, documents and updates the nursing assessment and plan of care for assigned patients through collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team.
• Ensures patient awareness related to transplant and treatment modality options.
• Participates as a lead or participant for educational or quality improvement projects at the facility, area or regional level as directed or approved by the Supervisor.
• May serves as a Preceptor to new employees
• Required to complete CAP requirements to either maintain or advance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Supervision

Assigned oversight of Patient Care Technicians/LPNs/LVNs/RNs as a Team Leader or designated Nurse in Charge, after meeting all the following:

• 3 months experience in chronic/acute hemodialysis as a RN.

Education and Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Current appropriate state licensure.
• Current or successful completion of CPR BLS Certification
• Must meet the practice requirements in the state in which he or she is employed.

Experience and Required Skills

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Nephrology Nursing as a RN
• Chronic/acute hemodialysis experience (preferred).