Alunda Brooks-Harris

The registered nurse functions as an integral member of the Nephrology team to provide care for hemodialysis (HD) patients using the nursing process to care for patients who are experiencing renal failure requiring HD, using current evidence-based practice for patient care guidelines, standards, and treatment modalities. The HD RN is accountable for practicing within the scope and in compliance with the HD policies and standard operating procedures. The RN assigned to the HD is primarily responsible for applying in the nursing process to the care of patients undergoing HD therapy in an outpatient setting. This includes, but is not limited to, renal anatomy and physiology, technical and didactic knowledge of dialysis therapy (i. e. water, treatment, dialysis machine operations and monitoring of the patient undergoing HD therapy, potential complications associated with renal replacement therapy and appropriate interventions for each, adequacy of dialysis, catheter function and care). The nurse performs the appropriate documentation that reflects assessment of patient needs, interdisciplinary treatment plans, provides instruction of dialysis related material to the patient and their families, plans clinical interventions, and evaluates patients' responses to treatments. The HD nurse must also have the ability to effectively interact with patient and their families as well as other support systems with the hospital (i. e. renal physicians and other providers, intensive care unit (ICU) nursing staff, and HD technicians, social workers, and dietitians). In addition, the nurse demonstrates proficiency in practice-based conscious and deliberate planning and is self-directed in goal-setting for managing the care of adult and the geriatric patients, in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act. The incumbent provides direct nursing care to patients under the guidance and direction of the Nephrologist and Director of Nursing.

Under general supervision, the hemodialysis nurse delivers care to patients suffering from end stage renal disease while utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation in accordance with established philosophy. Responsiblities include but are not limited to: oversee and monitor pre, interim, and post dialysis treatment and document findings, evaluate delivery of patient care and collaborate with interdisciplinary team; verify, document, and ensure implementation of physician orders, delegate duties appropriately to patient care technicians, and demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships with others.

Under the direction of the clinical manager, the registered nurse is responsible for the quality of care for an assigned caseload of patients. Tasks assigned included but are not limited to: delegating duties appropriately and directing staff in the delivery of care, assuring responsibility for the appropriate utilization of resources, collaborating with medical staff and interdisciplinary team members in the provision of care, and demonstrating positive interpersonal relationships with others in communication and problem resolution.