Dialysis Nurse

·         Oversees the preparation of the delivery system, dialysate bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm tests on the dialyzer and equipment are performed.

·         Reviews physician orders for dialysis patients, collects pre-treatment dialysis data, and reviews patient records prior to dialysis.

·         Conducts pre-dialysis patient assessment including obtaining patient vital signs and assessing the patient' s vascular access, laboratory findings, and the patient' s general health.

·         Verifies that patients are taking all prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation.

·         Documents findings of patient assessments and interventions and advises providers of any significant change in the patient's condition and other pertinent information.

·         Reviews patient' s electronic/paper records for orders as appropriate and administers dialysisrelated intra-venous and/or oral medications as prescribed and/or per protocol.

·         Conducts post dialysis assessment and patient discharge by evaluating treatment, documenting medication administration utilizing the appropriate protocols, assessing condition of vascular access, discharging the patient when vital signs are stable, and documenting and recording patient treatment data.

·         Provides patient education/teaching applicable to the patient' s medical condition.

·         Performs other treatments and diagnostic tests such as blood sugar testing and other tests required as part of patient treatment

·         Oversees disassembly and disinfection of dialysis equipment.

·         Maintains skills necessary to do regional heparinization, separate and store blood samples, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain dialysis equipment.

·         Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, water cultures) to ensure that these machines are operating within the parameters set in the facility's written protocols.

·         Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens.

l  Because patients need round-the-clock care, working hours include days, nights, weekends and holidays.

l  The number of patients assigned per shift will vary with facility and specialty, if applicable.

l  Nurse spend considerable time walking, bending, stretching and standing; they assist in patient transfers.

l  Nurses must guard against back injury because they may have to assist in patient lifts and transfers; they must follow proper body mechanics and procedures for lifting/moving patients.

l  Nurses may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases.