Inpatient Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN/LVN

Freseniusmedicalcare; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care Baltimore is seeking an LPN/LVN to join the acute dialysis team under RN supervision. You will provide direct patient care, operate dialysis equipment, and maintain a safe, compliant treatment area.

Responsibilities include recording vital signs, documenting treatments, and communicating changes to the Hemodialysis RN. CPR readiness and patient education support are also required.

Qualifications

• LPN/LVN license required for practice.
• Ability to perform dialysis-related patient care.
• Competence in documenting patient data and treatment details.
• CPR and emergency response skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care under supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patients.
• Operates dialysis-related equipment per procedure and maintains a safe environment.
• Document treatment data in EMS/ACES and communicate changes to the RN.
• Monitor vital signs, cannulation and treatment parameters, report issues timely.
• Respond to emergencies including basic CPR and reinforce patient education.

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license

Job description

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 supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patient(s) in the acute setting 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 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.
• Initiates basic CPR measures in the event of cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest and responds to emergency situations related to dialysis treatment. Responsible for re-enforcing education the patients received by the RN.

Technical:

• Safely operates dialysis related equipment according to the proper procedures.
• Provides trouble shooting when necessary.
• Ensures a clean, safe and sanitary environment in the dialysis facility treatment area.
• Ensures blood spills are immediately addressed according to FMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control Policies.
• Operates all emergency equipment effectively and efficiently in accordance to the standard operation procedures.

Staff Related:

• Participates in staff meetings as scheduled.
• Participates in staff training and orientation of new employees as assigned.
• Acquiring information and knowledge in current practice related to dialysis principles and technique by participating in scheduled in-service classes.

Additional:

• Performs additional duties as assigned by Program Manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

- The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be m