GENERAL SUMMARY:

• Reports to the Head Nurse. Under supervision of nursing staff is responsible for the assessment and direct care of patients on hemodialysis.
• Will strive to fulfill the organization's mission, vision, values, philosophy and goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates ability to assess and monitor patients on an ongoing basis (keeping in mind age-specific needs) and communicates information to appropriate team member. Demonstrates ability to respond in emergency situation.
• Reinforces education to patients Documents patient care and observations (e.g. flow sheets, AMA=s, incident reports). Demonstrates professional approach to job. Follows operational activities specific to assigned unit, (e.g. call-in times, breaks). Demonstrates acceptance of constructive criticism and direction from supervisors.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Reports to work in designated attire, (i.e. ID badge, lab coat, is neat, maintains proper hygiene). Communicates with other departments, agencies or service organizations. Functions as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates ability to plan work activities.
• Demonstrates problem-solving methodologies for benefit of patients/significant others and the patient care area. Does so within scope of authority. Carries out doctors' orders within parameters of role.
• Follows infection control policies and procedures (e.g. hand washing, face shield and gloves). Demonstrates ability to minimize waste in assigned unit. In conjunction with team members, monitors and adjusts dialysis therapy to meet the needs of the patient (keeping in mind the age-specific needs of the population served).
• Serves as a resource referral for the patient. Maintains neat and safe work area. Demonstrates technical and task-oriented skills (e.g. cannulation, machine set-ups and disinfections). Performs blood-drawing procedures, (e.g. monthly labs, kinetic modeling, Hct, RBS and other special bloods).
• Under the delegation of the Medical Director and under nursing supervision:

a. Administer normal saline solution via the extracorporeal system

b. Administer per initiation of hemodialysis procedure 2% xylocaine subcutaneously.

c. Administer via the extracorporeal system and/or via the cannulated access site the anticoagulant heparin in the dose prescribed by the physician and monitored by the nursing staff. Other duties as assigned.