New Graduate Nurse

About the Role

This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job title used will be determined based on the state where the employee is employed. Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse while working towards obtaining their nursing license. Employees hired into this position will be required to obtain their nursing license within 90 days of their hire date.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Performs vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.
• Performs and records Pre and Post dialysis evaluation, weight and vital signs with initial identification.
• Performs vascular access cannulation and reports any difficulties or unusual findings to the nurse supervisor.
• Initiates dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluates intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed or directed.
• Monitors patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion; performs all relevant functions for discontinuation of treatment and documents appropriately.
• Evaluates patients prior to termination of venous access - standing & sitting blood pressure.
• Obtains hemostasis and applies appropriate dressings.
• Evaluates the patient prior to discharge.
• Documents information related to patient treatment in the patient health record.
• Reports any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the nurse supervisor.
• Performs and documents interventions for unusual patient status and patients' response to intervention.
• Obtains all prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for collection.

Maintenance / Technical

• Conducts all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and documents where appropriate.
• Maintains environmental integrity and aesthetics - ensures all areas are safe and clean.
• Cleans and disinfects dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
• Performs all required pretreatment dialysis machine set up and testing.
• Ensures that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectants according to facility policy.
• Prepares, organizes, and efficiently utilizes supplies and equipment to prevent waste.

Clerical & Administrative

• Enters all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and in a timely manner.
• Reviews health care record for completeness and ensures omitted entries are completed or corrected where appropriate.
• Prepares lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens.
• Collects, labels, appropriately prepares and stores lab samples according to required laboratory specifications.
• Ensures collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.

Other

• As a condition of continued employment, required to obtain and maintain any required credentials or certifications necessary for your position in an active and valid status.
• Capable of working in a challenging environment requiring handling demanding situations, multitasking, and remaining flexible to changing needs.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note: Failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.
• Work includes using a desk and personal computer as well as interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
• Position may require travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.
• Work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation.
• Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over.
• Employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force.
• Employee may be required to lift and lower solutions up to 30 lbs (frequent) and up to 40 lbs (occasional), as high as 5 feet. Two-person assist program and "material assist” devices are available.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduated from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months.

Experience and Skills

• Required to obtain nursing license within 90 days of employment.