Job Description Provides general and/or specialized nursing care to patients with Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease or Apheresis needs in the ambulatory and inpatient setting. Provides nursing care to patients and families in the Dialysis and Infusion Center in accordance with the ANA standards of practice of a professional nurse, Connecticut Children's policies and procedures, SCOPE dialysis protocols and State and federal regulations. Utilizes a primary nurse model. Reports to Nurse Manager of the Dialysis Center. Responsibilities
- CLINICAL PRACTICE - Demonstrates clinical expertise and uses the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care. Prioritizes, plans, provides holistic family-centered care to patients within area of service throughout the continuum of care utilizing time and resources effectively and efficiently. Works with the Nurse Manager of Dialysis Center to assure SCOPE and ANA standards are upheld. Procedural proficiencies in multiple modalities will be required for acute and chronic needs. Must be able to work within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- POPULATION SPECIFIC - The Dialysis/Nephrology nurse has a knowledge of pediatrics, pathophysiology of ESRD and apheresis therapies. Assesses the patient response to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis therapy. Communicates problems and concerns to the physician and engages appropriate specialty team members as needed. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
- UNIT LEADERSHIP - As assigned, contributes to the leadership of the unit by functioning as the Charge Nurse and/or by participating in the professional development of others through preceptor/mentor activities. Supports the unit/department's work productivity and resource management activities. Actively participates in quality/safety initiatives.
- DOCUMENTATION/COMMUNICATION - Timely, accurate and succinct communication required for optimal care. Appropriate use of paging, texting, and staff messaging. Clearly documents all pertinent aspects of care, including but not limited to : daily huddles, treatment plans, weekly and monthly summary of patient status; unexpected events of changes in patient condition; medications; and monitoring of vital signs in a timely manner and according to policies and standards; necessary information is effectively communicated to all members of the health care team.
- PATIENT/FAMILY PARTNERSHIP & EDUCATION - Collaborates with child and family in evaluating outcomes. Provides appropriate, age/developmentally appropriate education to patients and families regarding all aspects of care according to policies and standards; supports the organization's efforts to patient/family education. Partners with child and family in evaluating outcomes. Monitors, trends and evaluates child/family responses to treatment throughout scope of service. Provides appropriate education to patient/family regarding all aspects of care, including telephone advice, based upon established protocols. Serves as advocate for parents and families.
- CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S STANDARDS - Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with organizational standards.
Position Specific Role Responsibilities:
- Able to take on-call function as needed. Provides Dialysis and Apheresis Therapy to patients in the ambulatory and in-patient settings.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Charge Nurse duties as outlined in the Dialysis Center.
QualificationsEducation and/or Experience Required:
- A minimum of ASN/ADN required upon hire, BSN preferred. If ASN/ADN, must acquire BSN within 3 years of hire
Education and/or Experience Preferred:
- Experience Preferred: Dialysis Experience preferred.
- Apheresis Experience preferred.
- Pediatric experience preferred.
- Must acquire (within 6 months) a thorough understanding of water purification standards to assure compliance with the AAMI guidelines.
- Must acquire (within 3 months) a thorough understanding of SCOPE bundles.
Position Specific Education and/or Experience:
- Acute and Chronic Skillsets to be developed:
- Hemodialysis.
- Peritoneal Dialysis.
- Plasma Apheresis.
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention.
License and/or Certification Required:
- Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure required and maintained thereafter.
- American Heart Association, or American Red Cross, Healthcare Provider CPR/BLS certification required upon hire and maintained thereafter.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Able to demonstrate all of the CCMC Core Organizational Competencies or has potential to do so as well as any clinical competencies within specialty area.
About Us Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members. At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.