Dialysis Licensed Vocational Nurse, Home Therapy

SUMMARY

The Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse, under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse, assists with providing care and delegated activities of treatment to patients with renal failure. This position performs duties as assigned by the Charge Nurse and Registered Nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties and tasks may be assigned.

GROWTH

· Demonstrate effective use of supplies and staff labor hours.

· May assist with billing log preparation and updates.

· Perform duties as assigned to meet the patient care or operational needs of the clinic.

OUTCOMES

· Obtain blood samples for laboratory analysis as required to complete physician orders.

· Complete and document monthly review of patient medication profiles.

· Administer medications as ordered by the physician, within scope of practice as regulated by each state.

· May assist with patient education as needed under the direction of the Charge Nurse or Administrator, and within scope of practice.

· Assist with program's target goals for patient outcomes in accordance with quality patient care and Company goals.

OPERATIONAL

READINESS

· Knowledge of and comply with applicable health care professionals practice act requirements.

· Perform duties at all times under the supervision of a Charge Nurse and within limitations established by and in accordance with company policy and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

· Use appropriate safety measures including personal protective equipment as necessary.

· Clean, disinfect, and rinse dialysis machines in accordance with policy and procedures.

· Prepare machines for hemodialysis treatments Prepare patient supplies for treatments.

· Verify/respond to visual and audio alarms on machines; troubleshoot machine alarms as appropriate.

· Remove disposables and clean station after each treatment.

· May be required to clean isolation room post treatment if applicable.

· Participate in infection control monitoring, implementation, and recording as requested.

· Be familiar with emergency equipment and all emergency operational procedures.

· Obtain pre and post treatment weights of patients per protocols.

· Contribute to pre and post treatment physical assessments within scope of practice as regulated by each state.

· Safely initiate and terminate dialysis treatments per center protocol, and within scope of practice and as allowed by state regulations.

· Clean catheter sites per protocol and as regulated by each state.

· Monitor patients during dialysis treatments.

· Mix acids and bicarbonate according to protocol.

· Maintain thorough, accurate, and appropriate documentation in the patient record of all treatments, activities, and communication with the patient, physician and other healthcare professionals to include progress reports.

OPERATIONAL

READINESS

(cont.)

· Stock hemodialysis carts and helps maintain supply room.

· Complete water testing on dialysis machine at the beginning of each treatment day and as directed by the Administrator. Complete/document quality control logs throughout the day and after all treatments, as required.

· Take vital signs per protocol during patient treatment and document on treatment record as required.

PARTNERSHIPS

· Report any significant information or change in patient condition to the Charge Nurse.

· Report machine problems to Biomedical Technician and Administrator.

· Actively promote GUEST customer service standards; develop effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT/ RETENTION

· Participate in staff meetings as required. Attend in-service and continuing education offerings in compliance with company policy and procedure.

· Assist with staff training as requested.

· Participate in team concepts and promote a team effort; perform duties in accordance with company policies and procedures.