Outpatient Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN - Dialysis

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

• Provides patient care under the direct supervision of the Hemodialysis Registered Nurse for assigned patient(s) in the acute setting excluding Intensive Care Units as permitted by state requirements.
• Performs all technical aspects of dialysis procedures for assigned patients as prescribed, administers and monitors treatments in accordance with the current treatment plan under the direction of the Hemodialysis RN; reports and documents all new and unusual incidences, information, complaints, or problems to the RN.
• Provides treatments for assigned patients to promote and assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment; supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, including patient satisfaction activities and process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve FMCNA Quality Enhancement Goals.
• With documented competency and proficiency, the LPN/LVN may set up and prime equipment as directed by the Hemodialysis RN for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement, and peritoneal dialysis therapies).
• Evaluates vascular access for patency; obtains necessary pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; performs vascular access cannulation as defined by the state and reports any difficulties or unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of patient treatment information in the individual patient record, including the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS) and the Acute Care Electronic System (ACES).
• Reports any significant information, change in patient condition, or equipment problems to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Ensures safety alarms are used for every treatment.
• Records accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters in the EMS and ACES.
• Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders, setting blood flow rate and dialysate flow rate.
• Collects and labels specimens and ensures timely delivery of laboratory samples per facility policy.
• Identifies intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by the physician or directed by the Hemodialysis RN.
• Documents any interventions and reports changes or unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient vascular access during treatment; provides appropriate intervention; discontinues dialysis treatment upon established procedures and reports unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient prior to termination of venous access, obtains blood pressure, achieves hemostasis, applies dressings, and reports findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Performs pre- and post-dialysis evaluation, weight and vital signs, and reports findings to the RN for documentation.

• Initiates basic CPR measures in the event of cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest and responds to emergency situations related to dialysis treatment; reinforces education received from the RN.

• Safely operates dialysis-related equipment according to proper procedures.
• Provides troubleshooting when necessary.
• Ensures a clean, safe, and sanitary environment in the dialysis facility treatment area.
• Ensures blood spills are immediately addressed according to FMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control policies.
• Operates all emergency equipment effectively and efficiently in accordance with standard operating procedures.

• Participates in staff meetings as scheduled.
• Participates in staff training and orientation of new employees as assigned.
• Acquires knowledge of current practice related to dialysis principles and technique by participating in scheduled in‑service classes.

• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

• The physical…