JOB SUMMARY (overview of job):  Demonstrates knowledge of the nursing process as a standard, incorporating elements of holistic family centered care through the collection, verification and organization of data about a patient’s health status, planning for care, implementation of the plan and evaluation.  Provides direct patient care in the clinical setting under the direction of the Unit Director or designee, and the Charge Nurse.  Performs detailed and accurate assessments of dialysis patients and completes documentation in a timely and accurate manner according to hospital policy and regulatory requirements. Works well with other departments, peers, co-workers, and physicians in a teamwork environment. 

Aptitudes:  Ability to achieve cognitive, organization and emotional maturity to deal effectively with multiple tasks, stresses, deadlines, difficult situations and/or customers. Possesses positive interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental, and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Open to feedback and a quickly changing environment, which requires flexibility in scheduling, equipment, and department assignments.  Other: Ability to operate medical equipment, fax machine, copier, telephone, and computer.  Tolerance for body secretions, strong odors, potential exposure to disease, various body fluids, and varied environmental conditions including exposure to chemicals used for cleaning.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:  Sufficient experience to demonstrate competency and accept responsibility as a Dialysis staff RN (job specific).

To qualify for charge nurse assignment, must demonstrate good clinical nephrology/dialysis knowledge and the ability to multitask, set priorities, and organize provision of care. Must demonstrate leadership skills to direct staff, assess their competency levels and delegate appropriate tasks.  Must demonstrate a positive attitude and good communication skills to resolve and prevent problems. Must be knowledgeable about and compliant with Joint Commission and CMS regulations to assure provision of safe, quality care.  The department director will determine which nurses qualify for charge assignments. To take call on a rotating basis, must demonstrate competency to provide dialysis care and set up dialysis equipment independently in the intensive care setting on patients who may be unstable and require intensive monitoring and quick response to problems. It is expected that the RN will be able to do this within one year of hire. 

EDUCATION:  Graduate of professional school of nursing. Prefer at least 6 months dialysis or general acute care nursing experience

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY:  Current Montana License as a Registered Nurse. BLS required.  Nephrology nursing certification is preferred (CNN or CDN).

Performs acute and chronic hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis procedures as well as coordination of care for assigned primary patients. Participates as an active member of the dialysis interdisciplinary care team and communicates regarding patient needs Conducts comprehensive assessments on assigned primary patients per regulatory rules and regulations concerning appropriate time frames. Utilizes the patient assessment data along with data from other members of the interdisciplinary team to devise care strategies and inputs this into the interdisciplinary care plan Takes call on a rotating basis to cover emergencies and to answer questions from patients during the hours the dialysis unit is not staffed.

May be assigned to be the Charge Nurse, who coordinates, leads and appropriately delegates provision of care for all dialysis patients during the assigned shift.