DEPARTMENT: Dialysis
REPORTS TO: Dialysis Facility Administrator
SALARY: DOE
JOB STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Permanent, Rotating Shifts, Including Holidays
OPEN DATE: 2/22/2024
CLOSE DATE: Until Filled

JOB SUMMARY:

Dialysis Nurses provide direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of scientific nursing principles. In addition to general nursing care, responsibilities of Dialysis Nurses include (but are not limited to):

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conducts pre-dialysis patient assessment including obtaining patient vital signs and assessing the patient's vascular access, laboratory findings, and the patient's general health
Oversees Nephrology Technicians in the performance of dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment, blood pressure and performance of the dialysis machines every 30 minutes and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis.
Reviews physician orders for dialysis patients, collects pre-treatment dialysis data, and reviews patient records prior to dialysis.
Reviews physician orders from the Nephrologists as appropriate and administers dialysis related intra-venous and/or oral medications as prescribed and/or per protocol.
Verifies that patients are taking all prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation.
Documents findings of patient’s assessments and interventions and advise Nephrologist of any significant change in the patient's condition and other pertinent information
Performs other treatments and diagnostic tests such as blood sugar testing and other tests required as part of patient treatment.
Responds appropriately and provides assistance in emergency situations.
Continually functions as a patient educator. Provides patient education/teaching applicable to the patient' s medical condition.
Conducts post dialysis assessment and patient discharge by evaluating treatment, documenting medication administration utilizing the appropriate protocols, assessing condition of vascular access, discharging the patient when vital signs are stable, and documenting and recording patient treatment data.
Discusses patient concerns and answers questions relevant to care.
Assesses, prepares, and cannulates a patient' s vascular access (including needle insertion in arteriovenous fistula or grafts for aseptic connection with dialysis equipment).
Utilizes sterile techniques to assess the dialysis catheter exit site and to apply dressing on the patient' s vascular access (dialysis catheter, arteriovenous access) per protocols.
Confirms acceptable water quality prior to beginning dialysis treatments. Cleans and disinfects dialysis equipment before and after each treatment.
Oversees disassembly and disinfection of dialysis equipment before and after each treatment. Disposes of biohazardous waste in accordance with policy & procedure
Maintains equipment per manufacturer’s recommendations. Labels and/or removes defective equipment from the treatment area and arranges for repair.
Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, water cultures) to ensure that these machines are operating within the parameters set in the facility's written protocols.
Assures that machine alarms are functional prior to dialysis treatments.
Oversees the preparation of the delivery system, dialysate bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm tests on the dialyzer and equipment are performed. Performs dialyzer reuse according to facility standards, if applicable.
Utilizes supplies efficiently to contain costs. Documents charges and services and/or credits supplies accurately.
Completes an incident report following any unusual occurrence that could have implications for risk management.
Cooperates with the End Stage Renal Disease Network 15 goal to collect data.
Refers patients to other disciplines or services as needed (Dietitian, Renal Social Worker, etc.).
Provides leadership in improving patient care, maintaining standards of care, directing and teaching personnel in a variety of settings, and providing charge nurse responsibilities as needed.
Participates in quality improvement activities to include collection of data for the dialysis unit
Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan. Works closely with others on the dialysis team and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Other duties as assigned to maintain and enhance the operation of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree in nursing with a current Registered Nurse license in the state of Wyoming.
Licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Wyoming.
Must have Basic Life Support Certification.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection; this includes (if needed and after receiving the appropriate training) the ability to perform arteriovenous access monitoring using ultrasound machine per protocol.
Must be able to do regional heparinization, separate and store blood samples, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain dialysis equipment.
Must demonstrate a working knowledge of dialysis laboratory tests and dialysis medications.
Must demonstrate in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens.
Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, percentages, and decimals.
Must have knowledge through training or experience in performing patient care activities for adult and geriatric patients.
Required to possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance plan.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check under the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Act and the Wyoming DFS Central Registry.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physically strong and able to work on their feet for long periods of time.
Must be able to withstand the stresses and demands of the position
Frequent exposure to conditions common to a medical/clinical facility, such as exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, and medical preparations.
Moving, lifting, or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds, as well as assisting with weights of more than one hundred (100) pounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods.
Fine motor skills
Visual Acuity-Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Competitive wages (no state or local tax)
18 different medical insurance packages
Dental, vision and life insurance
Retirement plan with 4% match
Leave Benefits
Up to $25,000 per year student loan repayment program (certain eligibility requirements)

IMPORTANT APPLICATION CRITERIA:

• Submit a complete application with supporting documents either online or to WRFCHC Human Resource Department located at 120 North 6th East St (Old DFS Bldg.), Riverton WY. Applicants must submit all supporting documents to be eligible for the position they are applying for.
  
  • Supporting documents: Driver’s License, Tribal ID, High School Diploma/GED, Degree or professional credentials, and other supporting documents that verify required qualifications.
• Applicants not living in the local area may submit a cover letter, resume, and supporting documents in lieu of an application as an initial statement of interest for a particular job announcement. However, the applicant must follow-up with an official Wind River Family and Community Health Care job application.
• Applicants who have a current application on file are required to submit a letter of interest for each position in which they want to be considered for. The letter should address how they meet each qualification. Supporting documents must be attached to the letter of interest.
• Telephone calls are not accepted in place of an employment application or letter of interest.
• When the position qualifications require a driver’s license, education, or professional credentials, the applicant must submit copies of certificates, licenses, degrees, and other supporting documentation. Applicants who do not provide supporting documents will be disqualified.
• WRFCHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Preference will be given to a qualified tribal member, then a qualified tribal member of a federally recognized tribe and then other qualified candidates.
  
  • Qualified Indian Preference applicants must provide a copy of their tribal enrollment identification card or a Certificate of Indian Blood.
• Background investigation, drug and alcohol screening are required as a condition of employment. Refusal will render the applicant ineligible for employment.

For information or questions, please contact Human Resources at 307-856-9281 ext. 367.