RN - 4S - Renal Unit

Overview

Our Renal Unit is a 36-bed unit that cares for our patients with kidney-related condiions such as acute or chronic kidney disease that sometimes requires renal replacmenet therapy. Nurses in this area have a 1:6 ratio and specialize in post-hemodialysis and ongoing peritoneal dialysis. This unit values robust collaboration with community nephrologists, family practice providers, and hospitalists to offer the best care possible for our renal patients. This team is dedicated to supporting patients in every step of their journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

Responsibilities

Plans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families.  Provides leadership to other team members by articulating and delegating expected standards of care, supervising and encouraging team members, and supporting their contributions.  Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff.

Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the patient’s physical condition, psychological status, social status, spiritual and cultural needs, pain assessment/management, nutritional and functional status, developmental or age related factors, and discharge planning needs

Plans, provides, and documents patient and/or significant other education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning.

Evaluates and regularly reevaluates patient care; coordinates care planning with patient, family, providers and other disciplines to achieve patient-centered  outcomes

Assigns and delegates nursing care to team members in accordance with the patient’s needs and the capabilities of the team members

Applies safety principles when performing care

Accurately documents  observations, care provided and changes in care plan

Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit based huddles

Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement. 

Performs initial and annual competency per job class

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current approved Alabama Board of Nursing RN license or multi-state license required or ability to obtain prior to start
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required
• BSN preferred, minimum Associates required
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English

Required within 6 months of start date:  American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted

 

Cardiac/Critical Care:

• ACLS

Emergency Department-both campuses:

• ACLS
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Emergency Department – Regional Campus only:

• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

Perioperative:

• ACLS
• PACU –PALS; ACLS

Women’s/Children:

• NICU –Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP)
• Labor & Delivery –ACLS, NRP, and Intermediate Fetal Monitoring
• Mother Baby Unit – NRP
• Pediatrics – PALS

Clinical Support:

• Cardiac Monitoring Unit –ACLS

 International RNs:

• Current approved Alabama Board of Nursing RN license or multi-state license required or ability to obtain prior to start.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life