Satellite Healthcare, Inc. has been among the nation’s leading not-for-profit providers of kidney dialysis and related services since 1974. Through its affiliated services, Satellite Wellbound, Satellite Dialysis and Satellite Research, Satellite Healthcare, Inc. provides unparalleled early patient wellness education, personalized clinical services, and a complete range of dialysis therapy choices. In addition, Satellite Healthcare, Inc. has a well-recognized, ensuring commitment to philanthropy and community service, from funding millions of dollars in research grants to sponsoring kidney programs nationwide. Satellite Healthcare, Inc. is committed to advancing the standard of chronic kidney disease care so patients can enjoy a better life.

At Satellite Healthcare, Inc. (SHC), we work with Purpose at the heart of everything we do. It starts with our Mission to make life better for those living with kidney disease and our Vision to be unsurpassed in our individualized experience, our quality, and our compassion. Our core Values round out our Purpose by defining how we choose to show up each day. As a member of our team, you will be invited to discover your own personal purpose at work and ways to active that purpose to create a more fulfilling work-life for yourself. It is our hope and belief that, as you and your colleagues learn to courageously live and work by your purpose, you will find that it not only lifts your work and your career, but the organization, and the community of patients as well.

Job Summary:

The Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN) provides direct patient care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, following Satellite policies and procedures per their state Scope of Practice, in a safe and efficient manner.  The LVN will fulfill the Satellite Dialysis Mission Statement: “Making Life Better for Those Living with Kidney Disease” by providing superior customer service as part of a collaborative team.   

The LVN actively participates in professional role development activities including continuing education, and quality assessment and improvement.  The LVN develops ethically sound practice and confronts ethical challenges through application of the Nephrology Nursing Standards of Practice and Standards of Care. 

Essential Functions:

• Ensures accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations, follows company regulatory compliance procedures, and all local, state, federal regulatory requirements

• Administers oxygen as necessary by cannula or mask under direction and supervision of Registered Nurse or physician orders, per scope of practice

• Adheres to all infection control procedures and understands the consequences associated with failing to follow those procedures

• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Follows all clean/dirty procedures in order to eliminate cross-contamination

• Disinfects machines, station area, and chairs after each patient treatment and treatment rooms between patient visits

• Maintains a neat and clean environment

• Performs thorough patient data collection and documentation of patient information prior to, during, and post dialysis, per scope of practice; provides detailed and thorough documentation on treatment sheets and medical records, both manual and electronic

• Responds to emergencies and alarms appropriately; participates in CPR as needed and as directed

• Administers orderedoral, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intradermal medications per state regulations and SHC procedures; understands and reinforces principles of safe dosage in ESRD, including the reason for giving medication and possible side effects

• Obtains laboratory specimens as ordered and performs routine tests

• Promotes an environment of safety to minimize the risk of harm to patients

• Actively participates in the center’s QAPI program

• Adheres to the policy “Standards of Conduct” (i.e. dress code, professionalism, etc.)

Communications  

• Communicates significant patient information to the appropriate team members in a clear, concise, and accurate manner

• Liaisons with the Interdisciplinary Health Care Team on shared responsibilities

• Contributes and promotes teamwork to create a harmonious and constructive working relationship with all staff by offering information, advice, and assistance in a positive, courteous, and cooperative manner

• Participates in self and/or peer evaluations

• Ensures the confidentiality of patient and employee information

• Attends and participates in staff meetings

• Understands and uses Satellite’s communication techniques:

  • Greets patients by name

  • Speak English only in patient care area unless translating

  • Listens to understand, not judge

  • Focuses on the message being sent

  • Uses reflective listening

  • Allows patients to express concerns appropriately

  • Manages conflict in a positive way

  • Acknowledges problems/situations from the patient’s point of view

  • Empathizes

  • Apologizes (without blame)

     

Education   

• Educate patients and their caregivers to increase understanding of the disease and its treatment and procedures

• Looks for opportunities to develop clinical expertise

• Participates in peer group meeting and problem solving

• Attend and participates in in-service education programs

• Maintains professional competence through participation in annual competency reviews

• Participates in research studies and/or protocols as directed

Customer Service  

• Responsible for driving the Satellite Healthcare 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

   

  The essential functions listed are not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.  All employees must work in accordance with Satellite’s Mission, Vision, and Values of Compassion, Trust, Quality, Innovation, and Teamwork.  Employees must abide by all Satellite’s standards of patient care, patient’s rights and ethical treatment, and adhere to safety and quality programs.

   

 Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Comprehends and follows all Satellite policies and procedures for infection control; understands the hazards associated with failing to follow those procedures

• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and satisfactorily communicate in English

• Proficient computer skills- e.g. Outlook, Word

• Able to use tools for information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate errors and support decision-makingand actions through documentation

• Understands the State’s Nurse Practice Act and Responsibilities

• Understands legal consequences of nursing actions both immediate and long term

• Must be able to work independently

Must be available to work On-Call up to 24 hours (Acutes setting only)

Essential Functions:

• Observes and records patient’s responses to renal failure and its treatments; performs thorough patient focus assessments as evidenced by documentation and feedback to the Charge Nurse.

• Awareness of the general course of all patients on the shift, as well as the general condition of all the patients in the center; draws upon this knowledge to the individualized treatments

• Performs central venous catheter(CVC) procedures and other intravenous related procedures upon documentation of training that includes caring for CVC using aseptic technique

• Obtains laboratory specimens as ordered and performs routine tests, including blood cultures

• Administer intravenous medications per state regulations and SHC procedures

• Administers IDPN

• Promotes safety by practicing in accordance with the NPA and the BON Rules and Regulations

• The practice of vocational nursing must be performed under the supervision of a RN, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), physician, physician assistant, podiatrist or dentist

• The LVN is precluded from practicing in a completely independent manner; however, direct and on-site supervision may not be required in all settings or patient care situations. Determining the proximity of an appropriate clinical supervisor, whether available by phone or physical presence, should be made by the LVN and the LVN’s clinical supervisor by evaluating the specific situation, taking into consideration patient conditions and the level of skill, training and competence of the LVN.

Physical Activity and Strength Requirements (All LVNs)

Satellite Healthcare, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Satellite Healthcare, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

Satellite Healthcare, Inc. offers a drug free work environment.