Licensed Practical Nurse Dialysis

Description

Scope of Work:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides care and treatment to patients with chronic renal disease in the chronic dialysis facility setting. As defined in Section 961 of Chapter 11 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a Licensed Practical Nurse must practice under the direction of one of the following: licensed physician, or registered nurse. A licensed practical nurse may perform duties consistent with his /her education and competencies. This position performs duties as assigned and as directed by the Facility Administrator and/or the Registered Nurse. 

Responsibilities and Expectations:

1. Assist with clinical and operational procedures under the direction of the Registered Nurse to improve the patient’s health and quality outcomes and minimize hospitalizations and missed treatments
2. Perform those job duties as assigned and within the Louisiana LPN Scope of Practice, Job Description, company policies and procedures, and protocols to meet the patient care and/or operational needs of the facility 
3. Demonstrate effective use of supplies and staff labor hours
4. Complete and document as assigned by Registered Nurse or Facility Administrator monthly review of patient medication profiles
5. Administer and document medications as ordered by the physician
6. May assist with the implementation of approved anemia management and medication protocols as assigned under the direction of the Registered Nurse
7. Provide patient education and follow up as needed
8. Assist with facility’s target goals for patient outcomes in accordance with quality patient care and company goals 
9. Knowledge of and compliance with federal, state, local laws and regulations, including healthcare professional practice act requirements
10. Complete patient admissions process as assigned by the Registered Nurse and as outlined in the policy and procedures, collaborating with other team members regarding real or potential problems or needs relative to the treatment plan
11. May reinforce patient education as needed under the direction of the Facility Administrator and/or the Registered Nurse
12. Use appropriate safety measures including personal protective equipment (PPE) per policy and procedures
13. Complete patient pre and post treatment physical assessments as assigned 
14. Prepare machines for hemodialysis treatments
15. Perform safety checks for each patient by reviewing machine settings and treatment prescriptions for every assigned patient treatment
16. Verify/respond to visual and audio alarms on machines; troubleshoot machine alarms as suitable
17. Obtain pre and post treatment weights of patient per protocol
18. Safely initiate and terminate dialysis treatments per facility policy and procedures
19. Monitor patients during dialysis treatments
20. Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment, including intervention and patient response, per policy and procedures
21. Take vital signs per protocol during patient treatment and document in the treatment record as required
22. Responsible to complete the review of each patient flowsheet record for content and accuracy prior to closing the treatment record
23. Obtain blood samples for lab analysis as ordered by the providers (MD, NP, PA)
24. Discard disposables and clean and disinfect station after each treatment including the isolation room
25. Be familiar with emergency equipment and provide emergency care
26. Maintain supplies at the Nurses’ station, Medication Preparation areas and supply room 
27. Complete water system testing per policy
28. Complete calibration and quality control on all medical equipment per policy and procedure and document in the appropriate log
29. Report machine problems to the Biomedical Technician, Registered Nurse, and the Facility Administrator
30. Report any significant changes to patient condition or patient information to the Registered Nurse, physician, or other appropriate IDT members 
31. Participate in staff meetings, attend in-services and continuing education sessions in compliance with company policy and procedures
32. Assist with staff training as directed by the Facility Administrator and/or the Registered Nurse
33. Participate in team concepts and promote a team effort
34. Perform duties in accordance with company policy and procedures
35. Perform other related job duties as assigned

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting, moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance
2. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over
3. The employee may occasionally be required to move, with assistance, machines and equipment of up to 200 lbs., and may lift chemical and water solutions of up to 50lbs. as high as 5 feet
4. The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels
5. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials
6. May be required to wear protective gear for extended periods of time. 
7. Day to day work includes desk work, computer work, interaction with patients, facility/hospital staff and physicians
8. The position may require travel to training sites or other facilities.
9. May be asked to provide essential functions of this position in other locations with the same physical demands and working conditions as described above.

Requirements

Position Requirements:

1. High School graduate or equivalent
2. CPR (BLS) certification required. Certification must be maintained as current. 
3. Current LPN license. License must be maintained as current and in good standing.
4. Previous experience working in dialysis preferred
5. Confirmation of ability to differentiate primary colors 
6. Demonstrated working knowledge of the English language and ability to communicate in writing as well as verbally 
7. Must have basic computer skills, proficiency in all NRC clinical applications required within 90 days of hire
8. Successful completion of NRC orientation/training program, including demonstrated competency within 90 days of hire
9. Must be able to organize time and tasks well
10. Must meet all professional scope of practice and code requirements for Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners 
11. Ability to meet minimum company hiring standards which may include additional background clearances and orientation requirements if applicable to the program assigned for employment