What You Can Expect:

Job Summary
The Dialysis Nurse-LPN working in the Nephrology Unit assists with planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating patient care. The Dialysis Nurse-LPN helps to coordinate, delegate, and provide direct nursing care for patients by working cooperatively with patients, family members, and all patient care team members. They also provide supervision for patient team members in accordance with their level of training and the patient's acuity. All of the roles and responsibilities completed by this role will be completed under the direct supervision of the Dialysis Nurse-RN.

Roles and Responsibilities
* Maintains accountability for the coordination and delivery of care to patients with end stage renal disease.
* Oversees the preparation of the delivery system, dialysate bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm tests on the dialyzer and equipment are performed.
* Reviews physician orders for dialysis patients, collects pre-treatment dialysis data, and reviews patient records prior to dialysis.
* Conducts pre-dialysis patient assessment including obtaining patient vital signs and assessing the patient's vascular access, laboratory findings, and the patient's general health.
* Verifies that patients are taking all prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation.
* Documents findings of patient assessments and interventions and advise providers of any significant change in the patient's condition and other pertinent information.
* Oversees dialysis technicians in the performance of dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment and performance of the dialysis machines and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis.
* Utilizes sterile techniques to assess, prepare, and cannulate, the dialysis access or central venous catheter and for aseptic connection with dialysis equipment per protocols.
* Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection; this includes (if needed and after receiving the appropriate training) the ability to perform arteriovenous access monitoring using ultrasound machine per protocol.
* Reviews patient's electronic/paper records for orders as appropriate and administers dialysis related intravenous and/or oral medications as prescribed and/or per protocol.
* Conducts post dialysis assessment and patient discharge by evaluating treatment, documenting medication administration utilizing the appropriate protocols, assessing condition of vascular access, discharging the patient when vital signs are stable, and documenting and recording patient treatment data.
* Provides or oversees patient education/teaching applicable to the patient's medical condition.
* Refers patient to other disciplines or services as needed (nutrition, social work, etc.).
* Performs other treatments and diagnostic tests such as blood sugar testing and other tests required as part of patient treatment.
* Works closely with others on the dialysis team and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
* Administers medication within their professional scope of practice, (National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses).
* Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education: High School / GED
Experience: 1-3 years

Licenses and Certifications
Valid and unencumbered license to practice as an LPN within the state practicing.
Valid and current BLS and CPR certification.

Physical Requirements
Sitting, standing, bending, reaching, stretching, stooping, walking, and moving intermittently during working hours. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs. Must be able to maintain verbal and written communication with co-workers, supervisors, residents, family members, visitors, vendors, and all business associates outside of the health campus.

Equal Opportunity Employer