Nephrology Nurse

The Department of Health Services invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Nephrology Nurse.

MANDATE

To assess patients in the Hemodialysis Unit, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care, to manage and provide nursing services in accordance with quality assurance and nursing standards and specifications.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Observe, interview, examine and assess patient on the Dialysis Unit.
2. Plan, implement, evaluate and document nursing care.
3. Educate patient, families and caregivers about the condition of renal disease, and the treatment plan
4. Participate in the delivery and maintenance of individual patient care in
   1. accordance with quality assurance and nursing standards, protocols and procedures.
5. Supervise the dialysis treatment from beginning to end, including priming the dialyzer and bloodlines
6. Manage the care of multiple dialysis patients throughout their treatment.

 KEY DUTIES

1. Overseas the preparation of the delivery system, dialysate bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm tests on the dialyzer and equipment are performed.
2. Conduct pre-dialysis patient assessment on admission; including obtaining pre-treatment data, assess the patient’s vascular access, laboratory findings, and patient general health.
3. Review physician orders for dialysis patients and review patient records prior to dialysis
4. Verify that patients are taking all prescribed medications and perform medication reconciliation.
5. Document finding of patient assessments & interventions, and inform colleagues and Nurse manager of significant changes in conditions and other pertinent information.
6. Discusses patients concerns and answer questions relevant to care.
7. Assess, prepare and cannulates a patient’s vascular access, (arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft using aseptic techniques.
8. Utilizes sterile techniques when assessing, cleaning and redressing the central venous catheter exit site. 
9. Administer patient’s treatment, ensure that prescribed medication, diagnostic investigations, therapeutic measures specific nursing care and or other instructions as ordered by physicians are carried out.
10. Provide a safe environment for patients and staff by observing strict infection control.
11. Maintain precautions by removing hazards, reporting faulty equipment and adhering to rules regarding health and safety within the unit.
12. Participate in maintaining an accurate recording and reporting system.
13. Assist in maintaining an adequate stock of medication, equipment and supplies and ensure that they are stored safely and used appropriately.
14. Maintain skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infections.
15. Review patient’s electronic record for orders as appropriate and administer dialysis related intra-venous and or/oral medications as prescribed and or according to unit protocol.
16. Comfortably manage and supervise the care of patient intra-dialysis treatment, and report any abnormal findings to the nurse manager and the doctor.  
17. Perform other treatments and diagnostic tests such as blood sugar testing, SPO2 testing, obtaining blood sample for pre and post treatment testing, and any other tests required as part of patient treatment.
18. Participate in the development of short-term plans and program activities to achieve the objectives set for the dialysis unit.
19. Investigate and report on incidents/accidents and other occurrences to the nurse manager.
20. Maintain an adequate stock of medication, equipment and supplies and ensure that they are stored safely and used appropriately.
21. Supervise, mentor and participate in the orientation of new staff to their duties, nursing goals, objectives policies and procedures
22. Participate in relevant nursing research projects and keep abreast of trends in dialysis nursing 
23. Be fully aware and knowledgeable of the Hospital Disaster Preparedness Plan and his/her role and participate in emergency and disaster preparedness stimulation exercise.
24. Safely perform discontinuation of dialysis in accordance with established procedures.    
25. Follow established procedures to ensure that the machines and equipment are maintained in optimal working conditions to deliver safe and effective dialysis.
26. Clean and disinfect machines after each patient and at the end of the day in accordance with established protocol.
27. Ensure that patients’ rights are respected and that complaints are addressed appropriately.
28. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens.
29. Respond appropriately and provide assistance in emergency situations.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must possess:

1. Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing and licensed to practices as a registered nurse in Anguilla
2. Has a well-developed theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in General Nursing and Nephrology Nursing
3. Minimum of 2 years general nursing experience, and least two (2) years post qualification experience as a Nephrology Nurse in an acute and chronic dialysis unit.
4. Current BLS and ACLS Certification
5. Demonstrates basic computer skills and proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook
6. Demonstrates high level of personal and professional accountability and responsibility. 
7. Uses sound judgment, high standards of integrity and professionalism.
8. Is self-directed and performs duties independently, ability to problem solve and apply critical thinking skills
9. Excellent written and oral communicative skills, and coordinate patient care activities with the interdisciplinary team
10. Be a team worker, with the ability to act efficiently and effectively, and can work under pressure
11. Has the ability to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships and confidentiality in the care of patients.