Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN LVN

Purpose and Scope

Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements.

Functions as part of the Home Therapies dialysis health care team as the Home Caregiver LPN/LVN. Ensures provision of quality home patient care in accordance with FMS policies, procedures and training. Supports FMCNA's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, including those related to patient satisfaction. Actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMCNA Quality Enhancement Goals.

Duties / Activities

Customer Service

• Responsible for driving the FMS culture through values and customer service standards.
• Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.
• Takes initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.
• Participates in training of facility staff in the principles, concepts and practice of the FMS Customer Service Model.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties

Patient Related

• Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, provides direct patient care and administers intravenous medication for assigned patients at their home, in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws.
• Assists Home Therapy Supervisor in the identification, evaluation, and training of candidates for the home dialysis program.
• Accurately documents information related to the patient's training and treatment. Ensures that the information is documented appropriately in the individual patient's medical record and entered into the Medical Information System.
• Responsible for ongoing monitoring, assessment, and intervention for home patients, including home visits, additional training sessions or reviews, lab studies and annual studies such as X-ray and EKG.
• Responsible for compliance with patient supply and inventory procedures, appropriate documentation and ensuring maintenance of all durable medical equipment (i.e. preventative maintenance, water analysis).
• Performs monthly chart audits and reports results to supervisor.
• Report the outcomes to the Home Therapy Manager/Coordinator or attending physician(s) as appropriate.
• Revises Patient Plan of Care in conjunction with signed physician orders under the direction of the Home Therapy Manager/Coordinator.
• Schedules back-up treatments when necessary in collaboration with Home Therapy Manager and physician.
• Participates in education of patients regarding treatment options as assigned.

Technical

• Maintains current knowledge base in the operation of all dialysis related equipment utilized in the program and in the field (i.e. hemodialysis machines, water treatment systems).
• Capable of trouble-shooting equipment problems with technical personnel via telephone communication.

Staff Related

• Participates in staff meetings as scheduled.
• Assists patient care conferences as appropriate and reviews the Patient Plan of Care as required.
• Participates in scheduled in-service classes to acquire knowledge in current practices related to dialysis principles and techniques.
• Provides educational in-services regarding home therapies to in-center staff, hospitals, or nursing programs as assigned.
• Acts as a resource for other staff members.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, patient families, facility staff and physicians.
• The position requires travel between the facility, the patient's home and various locations within the community.
• Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.

The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. It is also characteristic of a home environment and as such the Home Caregiver may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing (LPN, LVN).
• Current appropriate state licensure.

Experience and Required Skills

• A minimum of 2 years Hemodialysis experience required.
• One year medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.
• Successful completion of a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
• Successfully complete CPR certification.
• Able to work independently to manage emergencies
• Must complete the Nurses Technical Training Program upon hire or soon thereafter.
• Successful completion of the Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Home Caregiver Orientation and Training.
• Good communication skills - verbal and written.