New Graduate Registered Nurse - RN

This position is designed for recent graduates of accredited nursing programs who are working toward obtaining their nursing license. You will function as part of the hemodialysis healthcare team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. You are required to obtain your nursing license within 90 days of your hire date.

Clinical Setting

You will work in a hemodialysis facility providing direct patient care in a healthcare environment with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. The position may require travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community, as well as travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings.

Responsibilities

Patient Care:

• Perform vascular access evaluation prior to treatment
• Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs with initial patient identification
• Perform vascular access cannulation and report any difficulties or unusual findings to the nurse supervisor
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD)
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform all relevant functions necessary for treatment discontinuation
• Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, including standing and sitting blood pressure measurements
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge
• Document all information related to patient treatment in the patient health record
• Report any significant information or changes in patient condition directly to the nurse supervisor
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection

Maintenance and Technical:

• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy
• Perform all required pre-treatment dialysis machine setup and testing
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent waste

Clerical and Administrative:

• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and in a timely manner
• Review health care records for completeness and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected where appropriate
• Prepare lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare, and store lab samples according to required laboratory specifications
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

This position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. You must be able to frequently stand for prolonged periods and bend over. You may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. You may be required to lift and lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 pounds and on an occasional basis up to 40 pounds, as high as 5 feet. A two-person assist program and material assist devices are available for heavier items.

You may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases and materials. You will work using a desk and personal computer as well as interact with patients, facility staff, and physicians.

As a condition of employment, you are required to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test. Failing this test does not preclude employment; the company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program within the past 12 months
• Required to obtain nursing license within 90 days of employment
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance
• Obtain and maintain any required credentials or certifications necessary for the position in an active and valid status, including renewal prior to expiration
• Notify supervisor immediately if credential or certification status changes

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility

Additional Requirements

• Capable of working in a challenging environment that requires the ability to handle demanding situations, multitask, and remain flexible to changing needs
• Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws