Provide care before and after therapy to patients both or either (depending on the assignment) at home and the hemodialysis unit. These include addressing the patient's concerns as well as cleaning and dressing permanent and temporary catheters.
Checking the patient's vital signs before, during, and after dialysis.
Knowing how to operate the dialysis machine, readying dialysis equipment, priming dialyzer and bloodlines, and cannulating accesses.
Overseeing the entire dialysis therapy and monitoring the patient's response to it, as well as notifying physicians in case of adverse dialysis reactions.
Conduct health teaching about managing the disease. These include the type of food the patient eats, the level of activity needed, and medications.
Collaborate with the transplant center and help patients follow-up their cases.
In-home dialysis, demonstrate the method to the primary caretaker and let them have a return demonstration after to promote independence.
Educate family and patients about signs and symptoms to watch out for that may indicate abnormalities such as chilling.
Communicate with respect. Also, influence the patient's view through positive leadership. Oftentimes, patients are depressed because of their health status. They can benefit from the nurse's positive outlook that even if they can't return to their pre-disease state, there are alternatives to help them increase the quality of their lives.
– Current in state License as a Registered Nurse
– Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) required
– 1 year nursing experience-Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis experience highly preferred