PURPOSE AND SCOPE:nnFunctions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).nnPRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:nnPatient RelatednnEducation:nnAssist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate - Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and regarding disease process/access.nnTreatment:nnWelcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.nnEvaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and perform administration of heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.nnObtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre- treatmentnnInitiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).nnEvaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed.nnMonitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.nnObtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment - document.nnDiscontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access - standing & sitting blood pressurennObtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.nnEvaluate the patient prior to discharge.nnPerform and record Pre and Post dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identificationnnResponsible for calculating and entry of individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; and UF modeling as prescribed.nnResponsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits, (NVL) 160.nnRecord accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identificationnnResponsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.nnReport any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.nnObserve patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy. Report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.nnPerform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.nnEvaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, document and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.nnObtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.nnEnsure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.nnPrepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.nnMonitors patients performing self-care under the supervision of RN.nnStaff RelatednnAssists in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.nnEducation/Communication:nnFollows all organization business policies, procedures and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practicesnnMaintain environmental integrity and aesthetics - ensure all areas are safe and clean.nnClean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.nnConduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate and perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).nnInitiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.nnRECORD KEEPING:nnComplete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.nnEnters all treatment data into the designated clinical application in an accurate and timely manner.nnReview treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and ensurennomitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.nnPrepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart.nnPrepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat Lab specimens according to laboratory destination.nnCollect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples according required laboratory specifications.nnEnsure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.nnINFECTION CONTROL:nnAssists in collecting information for infection control audits.nnSupports staff and patient Adherence to infection control practices.nnFollows infection control Policies and ProceduresnnParticipates in and reinforces infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.nnTRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT:nnFollows all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinating their transitional dialysis carennReinforces all education and care related matters as it relates to the new patient as allowed by state lawnnLiaisons with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience including making sure all disciplines are scheduled to see patient according to plan.nnAssists in assuring patient understanding or home dialysis products, benefits of home and how home dialysis can work for them.nnSets and preforms a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.nnAssist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options including demonstration of the peritoneal dialysis set-up.nnAssists with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.nnAssists with supply ordering and inventory for TCUnnPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:nnThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employeennencounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enablennindividuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.nnEmployees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that: Failing thennIshihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonablennaccommodations can be made.nnDay to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.nnThe work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materialsnnThe position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation.Equipmentaidsand/orcoworkersmayprovideassistance.Thispositionrequiresfrequent,prolongedperiodsof standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and to lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist” devices for the heavier items.nnEDUCATION AND LICENSES:nnHighSchooldiplomaorG.E.D. required.nnMust meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.nnAllappropriatestatelicensure,education,andtraining(ifany) required.nnDemonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standardsnnEXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:nnPreviouspatientcareexperienceinahospitalsettingorarelatedfacility preferred.nnContinued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.nnEO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender IdentitynnFresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.