Dialysis Nurse

Job Overview:

The Registered Nurse is a professional caregiver who assumes direct responsibility and accountability for patient care via the application of the nursing process, the therapeutic environment, treatment modalities, and interdisciplinary team collaboration. The dialysis nurse will deliver care pre-, post-, and during dialysis following physician orders. He/She will ensure the preparation of the dialysis machine and dialysate delivery system and confirm that all equipment is functioning properly; adjust equipment used on patients; and interpret and record information. He/She will anticipate potential patient problems and perform nursing actions to minimize those problems.

Essential Functions:

• Set up and operate hemodialysis machine to provide treatment for patients with kidney failure: Attach dialyzer and tubing to machine to assemble it for use. 
• Mix dialysate according to the formula. 
• Prime the dialyzer and tubings with a saline solution to prepare the machine for use. 
• Transport patient to treatment area and position patient on chair at hemodialysis machine. 
• Take and record the patient's pre-dialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate. 
• Explain dialysis procedure and operation of hemodialysis machine to patient before treatment to allay anxiety. 
• Inspect equipment settings, including pressures, conductivity, and temperature, to ensure conformance to safety standards. 
• Clean area of access using antiseptic solution. 
• Cannulate A/V graft and fistula, or access dialysis 
• Catheter according to protocols.   
• Connect the hemodialysis machine to the access in the patient's forearm or catheter site to start blood circulating through the dialyzer. 
• Start blood flow pump at prescribed rate 
• Inspect venous and arterial pressures as registered on equipment to ensure pressures are within established limits. 
• Calculate fluid removal or replacement to be achieved during the dialysis procedure. 
• Monitor patient for adverse reactions and hemodialysis machine for malfunctions. 
• Take and record the patient's post-dialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate. 
• Assist in the patient discharge and transfer practices, as directed by the RN, including but not limited to:
  • Post-dialysis assessment and documentation,
  • gathering patient belongings and transporting patient to transportation vehicle, amongst others.   
• Properly clean and disinfect the exterior and interior of the dialysis machine and patient chair in between patients. 
• Display knowledge of PI initiatives and is involved in refrigerator temperature monitoring, eyewash station checks, storage room humidity, prevention of patient falls, etc. 
• Identify learning needs and pursue resources to meet those needs. 
• Collects pre-treatment dialysis lab results, reviews patient records, and reviews physician orders prior to the start of dialysis. 
• Documents findings of patient assessments and interventions and advises Nephrologists of any significant change in the patient's condition and other pertinent information. 
• Oversees dialysis technicians in the performance of dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment and performance of the dialysis machines, and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis 
• Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, and graft) for early signs of failure or infection. 
• Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, and water cultures) to ensure that these machines are operating within the parameters set in the written protocols. 
• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. 
• Responds appropriately and provides assistance in emergency situations. 
• Perform select procedures / techniques with guidance from the RN. 

Professional Requirements:

• Reports to work on time and as scheduled 
• Wears identification badge while on duty 
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times 
• Complies with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices 
• Exhibits a commitment to the values of the Health System, “WE CARE." Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities 
• Follows all departmental and hospital procedures in performance of job 
• Follows all safety rules 
• Maintains professional attire 
• Bachelor's Degree of Nursing 
• Minimum of 6 months' experience in a haemodialysis setting 
• Registered with the Bahamas Nursing Council 
• Certification or Renal Nursing program an asset 
• Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Certified in Advanced Life Support (ACLS) 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Communicates effectively.
• Ability to work independently
• Knowledgeable of legal and ethical issues in nursing practice.
• Ability to perform a full range of nursing functions.
• Ability to identify problems, analyze nursing situations, and plan reasonable course of action based on knowledge of safe nursing practice and sound principles of management.
• Readily adapts to organizational and professional changes.
• Demonstrates warmth, concern, and empathy for people as individuals.
• Team-player
• Demonstrates organizational and time management skills and a proficiency toward completing continuing and ongoing renal/nephrology education, as well as all required competency testing and skills validation.