RN - Home Dialysis Clinic - Patient Educator

 Functions as a clinician, educator and resource for patients within dialysis with a focus on in-center hemodialysis, and a knowledge of home therapies including; home hemodialysis & peritoneal dialysis, with a preferred knowledge of acute dialysis as well. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, contributes professional nursing knowledge and skills in the provision and management of care to patients through the application of the nursing process. CLINICAL EXCELLENCE FOCUS: Promotes the use of evidence-based practice through the nursing process, protocols and procedures.* Functions as a clinician, educator and resource for patients within their specialty of care and assist physicians with office procedures with the focus being on outpatient dialysis: in-center hemodialysis, knowledge of home hemodialysis, home peritoneal dialysis and available for coverage of acute dialysis services.* Develops and become expert on in-center hemodialysis, with knowledge of home hemodialysis and peritoneal therapies.* Assesses patient's status through interview, observation and physical assessment of actual problems and outcome.* Responsible for the development and ongoing coordination of care for patients.* Acts as a consultant both within the institution and to outside agencies or groups on issues related to dialysis.* Consults with individuals, families, community agencies or colleagues from associated disciplines or with nursing.* Uses appropriate interventions identified in the plan of care to achieve expected patient outcomes.* Systematically evaluates and documents patient's progress toward expected outcomes/goals on an ongoing basis throughout the shift.* Demonstrates professional accountability for own practice as evidenced through seeking resources and continuing self-development.* Shares clinical knowledge through informal teaching and in response to the learning needs of others.* Demonstrates a practical problem-solving approach to patient moving and handling issues (as applicable).* Possesses knowledge and skills necessary to obtain adequate lab specimens for testing.* Performs patient bedside lab testing and associated quality control in compliance with medical provider's orders and hospital lab procedures/policies.* Documentation of service expectations.* Provides supervision and direction of Patient Care Technicians and clerical staff.* Demonstrates clinical competence in caring for a wide variety of complex patients through expert assessment skills, manual and technical skills, and critical thinking abilities.* Ensures all safety checks and daily checklists are completed on all machines including the Main Reverse Osmosis Machine.* Operates all related equipment appropriately and safely and provides minor trouble shooting when necessary; efficiently utilizes supplies to prevent waste. WORK ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE FOCUS: Coordinates the interdisciplinary care of the patient through collaboration with team members and utilizes additional resources when necessary* Analyzes clinical situations in a systematic way and acts to obtain resources or correct problems to meet or exceed expected outcomes or patient needs.* Demonstrates ownership and persistence to ensure problem is resolved in best way possible.* Consistently prioritizes work based on changes in patient condition, changes in assignment and unanticipated interruptions.* Identifies and utilizes team resources to solve identified problems or needs.* Advocates with physicians on patient's behalf when necessary.* Chooses an appropriate and meaningful communication style when interacting with others: gives and accepts constructive feedback to/from peers.* As opportunities present, conducts bedside critical thinking exercises with nursing team members. PATIENT EDUCATION FOCUS: Assesses and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient's/family's age specific needs* Adapts teaching strategies based on patient's response, readiness to learn and level of comprehension* Educates, observes and documents on patients competency skills * Takes cultural, age-specific, gender, and developmental factors into consideration when teaching patients about procedures, illness, hospital experience, etc.* Ensures patient safety by following policy/procedures and adhering to National Patient Safety Goals* Demonstrates a practical problem-solving approach to patient moving and handling issues (as applicable)*

Created: 2024-11-02