Licensed Practical Nurse

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related:

• Provides patient care under the direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse for assigned patient(s) in the acute setting excluding Intensive Care Units as permitted by state requirements.
• Performs all technical aspects of dialysis procedures for assigned patients as prescribed to administer and monitor treatments in accordance with current treatment plan under the direction of the Hemodialysis RN. Responsible for reporting and documenting all new and unusual incidences, information, complaints, or problems to the RN.
• Provides treatments for assigned patients as assigned to promote and assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) Activities; including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMCNA Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).
• With documented competency and proficiency, the LPN/LVN may set up and prime equipment as directed by the Hemodialysis RN for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement, and peritoneal dialysis therapies).
• Evaluates vascular access for patency; obtains necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight; performs vascular access cannulation as defined by the state and reports any difficulties or unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to the patient treatment. This information is documented appropriately in the individual patient record to include the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS) and the Acute Care Electronic System (ACES).
• Responsible for reporting any significant information, change in patient condition, or equipment problems to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are being used for every treatment.
• Records accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment recorded in the EMS and ACES.
• Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders including setting blood flow rate (QB) and dialysate flow rate (QD).
• Collects, labels specimens and ensures timely delivery of laboratory per facility policy.
• Identifies intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician’s order or as directed by Hemodialysis RN.
• Performs and documents any interventions for the patient, documents patients’ response to intervention, and reports any changes or unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient’s vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provides appropriate intervention as needed, documents, discontinues dialysis treatment according to established procedures and reports any unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Evaluates patient prior to termination of venous access – obtains blood pressure prior to termination of venous access; obtains hemostasis and applies appropriate dressings; evaluates the patient prior to discharge and reports any unusual findings to the Hemodialysis RN.
• Performs pre and post dialysis evaluation, weight and vital signs with initial identification and reports findings to RN for documentation and any necessary follow up.