Registered Nurse - RN HHD PD Dialysis

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The professional registered nurse (Home Therapy CAP RN 2) position may be an entry level CAP designation for new employees that meet the CAP RN 2 criteria or attained through advancement from CAP RN 1.  The CAP RN 2 is accountable and responsible for the provision and coordination of clinically competent care including assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation for an assigned group of home therapy patients.

As a member of the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) health care team, the CAP RN 2 participates in decision-making, teaching, leadership functions, and quality improvement activities that enhance patient care outcomes and facility operations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All duties and responsibilities are expected to be performed in accordance with Fresenius Kidney Care policy, procedures, standards of nursing practice, state and federal regulations.

• Performs all essential functions under the direction of the Program Manager and with guidance from the Educator, Preceptor or a Home Therapy CAP RN 2,3, 4 or 5 for the first 3 months of employment.  

• Required to complete CAP program requirements to either maintain the CAP RN 2 level or advance to CAP RN 3.

• Performs ongoing, systematic review and analysis of dialysis data for Home Therapy patients and documents in the patient medical record, adjusts or modifies the treatment plan as indicated and notifies Supervisor/ Manager or physician as needed.

• Recognizes aspects and implications of patient status that vary from normal and reports to or collaborates with appropriate health team members for input.     

• Assesses assigned patient care needs and collaborates with direct and ancillary patient care staff as needed.

• Directs and provides, in collaboration with the patient, home care partner, direct and ancillary patient care staff, all aspects of the provision of safe and effective delivery of dialysis therapy to assigned patients.

• Administers medications as prescribed or in accordance with approved algorithm(s), and documents appropriate medical justification and effectiveness

• Ensures correct patient laboratory collection, processing and shipping procedures are performed and reschedules missed or insufficient laboratory collections.

• Ensures physician orders for assigned patients are entered and acknowledged in the Medical Record

• Initiates or assists with emergency response measures.

• Delegates appropriate tasks to direct patient care staff including but not limited to RNs, LVN/LPNs and Patient Care Technicians.

• Monitors patient care staff for appropriate techniques and adherence to FKC policy and procedures.

• Promotes infection control, equipment and environmental safety.

• Assesses, collaborates and documents patient/family's basic learning needs to provide initial and ongoing education to patients and family

• Assists in the identification, evaluation, selection and education of Home Dialysis candidates and Home Partners.

• Performs assessment and identifies barriers of the Home Dialysis candidate's home environment and partner/ family readiness and ability to perform dialysis treatments in the home. 

• Admits new Home Therapy patients using the appropriate processes per Fresenius Kidney Care policy and procedure.

• Trains Home Dialysis patients and / or Home Partners on the safe, effective operation and maintenance of all Home Dialysis equipment and treatment supplies through a formal standardized Home Dialysis Training Program. 

• Identifies expected outcomes, documents and updates the nursing assessment and plan of care for assigned patients through collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team.

• Assesses and manages patients' response to home dialysis training and treatment therapy by following prescribed predetermined protocols. Communicates patient related issues to the physician as needed.

• Serves as a leader, coach, mentor