PURPOSE ANDSCOPE:

FunctionsaspartofthehemodialysishealthcareteaminprovidingsafeandeffectivedialysistherapyforassignedpatientsinaccordancewithFMCNApolicies,procedures,andtrainingandincompliancewithregulationssetforth bythecorporation,state,andfederalagencies.

PRINCIPALDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related:

• Provides patient care under the direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse forassigned patient(s)in the acute setting excluding Intensive Care Units as permittedby state requirements.
• Performsall technical aspects ofdialysis procedures forassigned patients as prescribed to administerand monitor treatmentsin accordancewith current treatment plan under the direction ofthe Hemodialysis RN. Responsible for reportingand documenting all new and unusual incidences,information, complaints,orproblems totheRN.
• Provides treatments forassigned patients as assignedto promoteand assist in the maintenance of a safeandclean working environment. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP)and Quality Assessmentand Performance Improvement(QAI) Activities;including those relatedtopatient satisfaction and actively participates inprocess improvementactivities thatenhance the likelihood thatpatientswillachieve the FMCNA Quality EnhancementGoals(QEP).
• With documented competencyand proficiency, the LPN/LVNmay set up andprime equipment as directed by the Hemodialysis RN for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement,and peritoneal dialysistherapies).
• Evaluatesvascular access for patency; obtains necessary pre and posttreatmentvital signs andweight; performsvascular accesscannulation as defined by the stateand reports any difficulties or unusualfindings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to the patient treatment. This informationis documented appropriately in the individualpatient record to include the hospital Electronic Medical System(EMS) and the Acute CareElectronicSystem (ACES).
• Responsible forreporting any significant information, changein patient condition, or equipment problems to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarmsarebeing used forevery treatment.
• Records accurateand timely information regarding vital signsand treatment parametersontothe Hemodialysis Treatment recordedin the EMS and ACES.
• Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders including setting blood flow rate (QB) anddialysateflow rate (QD).
• Collects,labels specimensand ensures timelydelivery of laboratoryper facility policy.
• Identifiesintradialytic problemsand provides intervention as prescribed by physician’s order or as directedby Hemodialysis RN.
• Performsand documentsany interventions for thepatient, documentspatients’ response to intervention,andreports anychanges or unusual findings tothe Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient’svascular accessduring treatment including arterial andvenous monitoring pressures,provides appropriate intervention as needed, documents, discontinuesdialysis treatment accordingto established procedures andreportsany unusual findings tothe Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient priorto termination ofvenous access – obtainsblood pressure prior to termination ofvenous access;obtains hemostasisand applies appropriate dressings; evaluates the patient prior to discharge and reports any unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Performspreand postdialysis evaluation,weight and vital signswith initial identificationand reports findings toRN for documentation and any necessary followup.