Staff Nurse - Dialysis

Position Summary

Staff Nurse I is accountable for the delivery of patient care utilizing the Nursing Process and Relationship-Based Care model as the framework. The Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care and takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and colleagues, the Staff Nurse I functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

• A. Patient Care
  • 1. Provides patient care to dialysis patients in the hemodialysis unit and documents care given in the patient’s records.
  • 2. Maintains and annually updates medical summary and patient care plan for assigned patients. Reviews and revises these summaries with the supervising physician.
  • a. Perform chart audits to ensure compliance with hospital policy and regulatory requirements.
  • b. Tracks and records immunization of assigned patients.
  • c. Ensures complete and appropriate documentation of patient’s treatment in the EMR.
  • 3. Monitors the care given to primary patients, including coordinating consultations, obtaining records and reports, reviewing and documenting monthly laboratory results and medication regimen.
  • 4. Completes all dialysis and other clinical competency requirements; participates in periodic in‑services and reviews as necessary to maintain updated clinical competency and certification.
  • 5. Supervises and/or administers hemodialysis treatments to assigned patients. Takes direct patient care assignments as needed based on operational needs as determined by the Charge Nurse/Administrative Nurse I/AN III/PCD. Specific patient assignment is to be coordinated by the charge nurse.
  • 6. Attends and participates in the interdisciplinary care conferences (a.k.a. Lab Reviews) when primary patients are being presented.
  • 7. Acts as a resource for patients and family members.
  • 8. Performs other nursing duties as assigned.
• B. Nurse–Patients Relationship
  • 1. Explains nursing intervention to the patient and/or significant others.
  • 2. Assesses patient’s informational needs and learning readiness.
  • 3. Uses teaching strategies and communication skills to meet informational needs of patients/significant others.
  • 4. Evaluates and revises the teaching strategies while supporting and promoting the patient’s right to participate in his care.
• C. Leadership Role
  • 1. Takes charge nurse assignments. As a Charge nurse will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the Nursing and regulatory standards in the dialysis unit on a day to day basis and during training/orientation for certification. Charge nurse responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • • Participate in rounding with the Nephrologists and documenting and verifying orders in the Physician Order Sheet (POS)
  • • Review and enter orders/changes in the Source Document.
  • • Assist with patient‑staff assignments;
  • • Patient assessment;
  • • Responsible for all calls and problems arising in the unit;
  • • Follow up on all new orders and lab follow‑up;
  • • Review treatment sheet, orders and prescriptions for completion;
  • • Discharge patients on treatment sheet and in computer;
  • • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
• Current AHA BLS/CPR and other required unit–specific certifications.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, family, and health care providers.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on‑the‑job training.
• Excellent attendance, interpersonal skills and work history required.
• Recent 2‑5 years acute and chronic dialysis experience required.

• CNN or CDN certification preferred.

Position is eligible for benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal‑opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.