Job Details

To provide patient care and support to the adult hemodialysis patients according to established policy/protocol under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports Michigan Dialysis Services Cantons commitment to quality and safety, including patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities.

• General supervision is received from Clinical Nursing Director (CND) and/ or Clinical Nursing Supervisor. 
• Functional supervision is received from nursing staff.

Patient Treatment

• Welcome patients into the unit and ask if any changes in health since last dialysis treatment.
• Conduct dialysis machine safety checks according to unit policy/procedure.
• Before initiating hemodialysis, the patient will be identified using two patient identifiers, name and birthdate, picture if available.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight.
• Evaluate and assess vascular access for patency and abnormal signs/symptoms.
• Cannulate access according to unit policy.
• Responsible for calculating and entry of orders into the dialysis machine.
• Responsible for assuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
• Obtain ordered laboratory testing as ordered.
• Prepare lab requisitions for prescribed or stat laboratory specimens according to the laboratory destination.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab specimens according to required laboratory specifications.
• Initiate hemodialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Responsible for accurate documentation in the electronic health record including vital signs, information related to initiation, patient treatment, and termination of treatment and progress notes (if applicable). Documentation to include any intervention for unusual patient status and patients' response to the intervention.
• Evaluate for intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed by RN.
• Monitor patient throughout hemodialysis treatment, including patients' response to dialysis, vascular access site and pressures, and visibility of patients' face and access.
• Obtain vital signs and perform all relevant functions necessary prior to terminating treatment.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to approved policies/procedures.
• Evaluate patient post hemodialysis.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings for needles or catheter.
• Evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and document pre and post dialysis evaluation including weight and vital signs.