Licensed Practical Nurse

Coordinates, implements, and documents specialized patient care and home dialysis care based on thorough systematic pre-, intra, and post-dialysis/CRRT assessment by performing the following duties below.

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

• Performs and provides documentation for pre, intra, and post dialysis physical
• Assessments of the patient’s condition; makes judgments and treats problem situations on dialysis related to blood pressure, weight changes, access patency, and blood and fluid flows
• Performs corrective measures and trouble shoots dialysis equipment and water treatment system.
• Initiates, monitors, and terminates dialysis treatments in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures
• Initiates, monitors, and terminates CRRT therapies in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures.
• Initiates, monitors, and terminates peritoneal dialysis in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures
• Administers medications by prescribed route and provides documentation of administration and results of medication
• Prepares and monitors the hemodialyzer and hemodialysis machine and performs the required quality control checks
• Inspects and evaluates access sites to identify preferred access
• Obtains ordered pre, intro and post laboratory specimens
• Reviews lab reports, identifies problems and reports to the nephrologist or acute dialysis coordinator, as required
• Takes part in the rotating call schedule
• Reviews consent forms and physician’s orders pre-treatment to ensure patient has consented to therapy and appropriate therapy is delivered
• Under the direction of the Registered Nurse performs all procedures associated with the administration of blood and blood products and administers blood or blood products as prescribed by the physician during acute dialysis
• Meets or provides the emotional needs of patient and family as they confront the psychological impact of acute and/or chronic dialysis.  Encourages patient’s development of realistic attitudes and goals via understanding of the disease process
• Assess patient and family learning readiness; teaches patient and significant others about renal disease, dialysis treatment and medical regimen and their impact on the patient’s state of health and well-being
• Initiates and performs Basic Life Support for cardiopulmonary emergencies
• Participates in administrative and staff programs, as required. This includes, but not limited to attending staff meetings, in-services, and meetings such as CQI
• Travel is minimal in this role.

HOME DIALYSIS RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, completes intakes of new patients to include obtaining physician’s orders, reviewing required paperwork such as labs etc., assigning caregiver, communicating with billing/insurance department, warehouse staff, and pharmacy staff
• Assists in CAPD, CCPD, and DHH training and monitoring of patients. Participates in supervisory visits for patient care technicians.  Administers medications in the field to home dialysis patients
• Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, reviews monthly labs for patients.  Adjusts Epogen dosages according to protocol or physician order. Communicates lab results to patient’s physician and patients
• Participates in CQI meetings. Learns the CQI process
• Assists the Home Dialysis Administrator in payroll preparation
• Provide home dialysis treatments if staffing levels or emergencies arise
• Actively supports and promotes appropriate attitudes and loyalty to management; show interest and motivation in becoming a participating member of a team of individuals dedicated to effective, safe, and efficient patient care
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area
• Knowledgeable and able to implement safe and effective infection control procedures in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures
• Knows and practices procedures related to hazardous waste disposal. Knowledgeable and able to implement appropriate hospital emergency, fire, and disaster protocols

Required License(s)/Certification(s):

• Licensed Practical Nurse credentialed from the State Board of Nursing in State in which site is located or licensed in a compact licensure state provides a multistate license that allows nurses to practice with patients across state lines.
• CPR certification. 

Education/Experience/Qualification:

• Completion from an accredited Licensed Practical Nurse Program.
• Must complete the facility’s orientation and training program. 
• Must have at least 2 years of clinical and hemodialysis experience.
• Must have demonstrated record of and commitment to safety, and dedication to excellence.
• Must possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.  Must be able to communicate professionally and effectively with other staff members, patients, and physicians.
• Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 
• Must have computer skills including data entry, navigation around software and basic troubleshooting skills.