Responsibilities

Using the cognitive skills of application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, the Hemodialysis Registered Nurse is responsible for using the concepts of case management to coordinate and supervise the nursing care of Hemodialysis patients: adult and geriatric. The nursing process, (assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care) will be the framework in which care is provided. Key functions include providing complex direct patient care, patient/family teaching, patient/family support and advocacy, and case management. The Hemodialysis Registered Nurse performs duties within the construct of a unit-based, self-directed, interdisciplinary patient care team while sharing various tasks with other licensed and non-licensed staff members. The Hemodialysis Registered Nurse is responsible for developing and monitoring the cross trainable tasks that are performed by other team members. Embraces shared governance nursing organizational principals by being aware of nursing council's activities so that outcome, goals and objectives of nursing are achieved. Accountability will be monitored through direct observations; achievement of team service goals including satisfaction, quality, and financial outcomes; and performance improvement and patient safety activities. The provision of nursing care will be provided in an environment that embraces maximum participation by the staff nurses, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses and the ANA Practice Standards.

Qualifications

EducationGraduate of an approved school of nursing. Must successfully complete Hemodialysis Registered Nurse training program during initial orientation/cross-training period.Licensure/CertificationCurrent and valid professional nurse license in Georgia BCLS required ACLS required or attained within 1 yearExperienceNormal experience gained in school of nursing required. Experience is desirable. Prefer 3 years experience dealing with the disease and health care needs of the dialysis/renal failure patient population. Employees must have a minimum of one year's recent experience in fields of expertise in an acute care setting to be eligible for PRN position status.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to think critically and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities. Nursing knowledge of growth and development relevant to the ages of the patients served. Nursing knowledge of the diseases and health care needs of the patient population served. Assessment, analytical, and synthesis skills sufficient to interpret and analyze patient health data; identify nursing diagnoses; prioritize needs; and develop an individualized plan of care. Evaluation skills adequate to evaluate patient response to care and take appropriate action. High level of interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with patients, families, visitors, team members, physicians and other hospital personnel with whom daily interactions must take place. Basic knowledge of and skills in management sufficient to effectively supervise team personnel when acting as Team Leader. High level of interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively as a team member on a team with varying levels of health care workers. Problem solving skills sufficient to allow effective problem/conflict resolution. Demonstrated traits of initiative and dependability required. Ability to perform efficiently and effectively under stress. Philosophy of health care service is compatible with that of the mission of University Hospital.Physical DemandsStanding for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours) Walking for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours) to include moving about the work area, hospital and/or campus as needed Sitting for extended periods (8 to 12 hours) Must be able to bend, stoop and reach/lift above your head Sight: must be able to read documentation in a variety of formats such as items in print or electronically. For Health Care Providers (HCP) must be able to visualize patient condition and see data displayed on monitoring devices, etc. Auditory: must be able to hear in order to clearly communicate with others and use communication devices such as telephones, must be able to hear patients, alarms, call bells, etc. Tactile: must have ability to handle equipment and/or devices related to job duties, enter documentation within computer system. For HCP must be able to feel for pulses, skin temperature, and other patient conditions Olfactory: HCP need to be able to smell disease-specific smells HCP should not manually lift (including transfer, reposition, or move) patients who weigh greater than 35 pounds. The appropriate safe patient handling device will be used, except in emergency situations (life or death situations where delay in obtaining and using the safe patient handling equipment may be detrimental to the patient). Refer to Policy/Procedure G-89 Proper body mechanics will be used when moving or lifting any equipment or supplies