Dialysis Care Specialist — Vascular Access & Patient Safety

Fresenius Medical Care; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care in California is seeking a dialysis team member to support safe and effective dialysis therapy under the supervision of a licensed nurse. You will help set up and operate hemodialysis machines and maintain a clean, safe working environment.

The role includes educating patients on adequacy measures, monitoring vital signs, adjusting treatments per orders, recording data on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets, and communicating changes to the nurse or supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.
• 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; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment - document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
• Obtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record Pre and Post dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Responsible for calculating and entry of individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits, (NVL) 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy. Report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, document and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• 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 wastage.
• Monitors patients performing self-care under the supervision of RN.

Job description

Fresenius Medical Care in California is seeking a dialysis team member to support safe and effective dialysis therapy under the supervision of a licensed nurse. You will help set up and operate hemodialysis machines and maintain a clean, safe working environment.

The role includes educating patients on adequacy measures, monitoring vital signs, adjusting treatments per orders, recording data on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets, and communicating changes to the nurse or supervisor.