General Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, water cultures) to ensure the machines are operating within the parameters set in the dialysis center’s written protocols.
2. Responds appropriately and provides assistance in emergency situations.
3. Demonstrates consistent clinical competence in providing nursing care.

1. Demonstrates a working knowledge of dialysis laboratory tests and dialysis medications.
2. Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens.
3. Demonstrates a working knowledge of national guidelines and the dialysis center’s protocols for immunization of dialysis patients (such as influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis-B vaccination).
4. Maintains skills necessary to perform Acute and Chronic Hemodialysis treatments.
5. Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection; this includes (if needed and after receiving the appropriate training) the ability to perform arteriovenous access monitoring using a Transonic machine per protocol.
6. Maintains skills necessary to do regional heparinization, draw blood samples, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain dialysis equipment.
7. Uses equipment correctly and accurately interprets data.
8. Recognizes subtle changes in patient’s condition and responds timely, choosing the correct interventions.
9. Demonstrates evidence of critical thinking skills in identifying, analyzing, and resolving patient care problems on the unit.
10. Adheres to all VA dialysis center policies; which include: dialysis prescription, dialysis administered medications, recommended immunization procedures for ESRD patients and staff, frequency of physician visits, transplantation, consultation with renal dietician and social worker, etc.
11. Adheres to all VA dialysis water standard policies; Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards; and network, federal, and state guidelines.
12. Maintains responsibility for providing coverage for the dialysis center.
13. Provide cross coverage for the Renal Clinic.