Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN - Acute Dialysis

PURPOSE AND SCOPE :

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients in accordance with FMCNA policies,procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Patient Related :

• Provides patientcare under the direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse for assigned patient(s)in the acute setting excluding Intensive Care Units as permitted by state requirements.
• Performs all technical aspectsof dialysis procedures for assignedpatients as prescribed to administer and monitor treatments in accordance with currenttreatment plan under the direction of the Hemodialysis RN. Responsible for reporting and documenting all new and unusual incidences, information, complaints, or problems to the RN.
• Provides treatments for assignedpatients as assignedto promote and assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supportsthe FMCNA commitment to the QualityEnhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) Activities; including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhancethe likelihood that patientswill achieve the FMCNA QualityEnhancement Goals (QEP).
• With documented competency and proficiency, the LPN / LVN may set up and prime equipment as directed by the Hemodialysis RN for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement, and peritoneal dialysis therapies).
• Evaluates vascular accessfor patency; obtainsnecessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight; performsvascular access cannulation as defined by the state and reports any difficulties or unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for accuratedocumentation of information related to the patient treatment.This information is documented appropriately in the individual patient record to include the hospitalElectronic Medical System (EMS) and the Acute Care Electronic System (ACES).
• Responsible for reporting any significant information, change in patient condition, or equipment problemsto the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for ensuringappropriate safety alarms are being used for every treatment.
• Records accurate and timelyinformation regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment recorded in the EMS and ACES.
• Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed ordersincluding setting bloodflow rate (QB) and dialysate flow rate (QD).
• Collects, labels specimens and ensurestimely delivery of laboratory per facilitypolicy.
• Identifies intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician's order or as directed by Hemodialysis RN.
• Performs and documents any interventions for the patient, documentspatients' response to intervention, and reports any changes or unusual findingsto the Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient's vascular access during treatment includingarterial and venous monitoringpressures, provides appropriate intervention as needed, documents,discontinues dialysistreatment according to established procedures and reports any unusual findingsto the Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient prior to termination of venous access - obtains blood pressureprior to termination of venous access; obtains hemostasis and appliesappropriate dressings; evaluatesthe patient prior to dischargeand reports any unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Performs pre and post dialysis evaluation, weight and vital signs with initial identification and reports findings to RN for documentation and any necessary follow up.
• Initiates basic CPR measuresin the event of cardiacand / or pulmonary arrest and respond to emergency situations related to dialysis treatment. Responsible for re-enforcing education the patientsreceived by the RN.

Technical :

Staff Related :

Additional :

PHYSICALDEMANDS AND WORKINGCONDITIONS :

EDUCATION :

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS :

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

EOE, disability / veterans