Registered Nurse, RN - Dialysis

Dialysis is located on the fourth floor of DCH Regional campus and the main floor at DCH Northport campus. Our hours at the Regional campus are Monday-Saturday 6:30-19:00 with call taken on Sunday and after hours. On the Northport campus, hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with call taken on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and after hours. The Regional unit has eight dialysis bays and the ability to perform bedside and peritoneal dialysis.

The Northport campus has five dialysis bays with similar capabilities. Our nurses and Certified Dialysis Technicians prepare and perform dialysis treatments for patients within our organization.

Provide specialized care to patients with impaired kidney function undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in an acute care setting. Plan, coordinate, and deliver quality, compassionate care by adhering to professional nursing standards and fostering positive therapeutic relationships with patients and families. Lead and supervise team members by setting standards, delegating tasks, and supporting their contributions. Supervise LPNs and Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technicians (CCHTs).

• Assess each patient's condition on admission and throughout treatment, including physical, psychological, social, spiritual, cultural needs, pain, nutritional, and functional status, as well as discharge planning. Focus on adult and geriatric populations.
• Administer and manage dialysis treatments, including setup, monitoring, and equipment maintenance.
• Manage the full continuum of ESRD care, including vital sign monitoring before, during, and after dialysis, and management of dialysis access sites.
• Maintain knowledge of dialysis equipment and water systems, following safety practices such as water pH monitoring, chlorine residual checks, alarm testing, and environmental culture collection.
• Plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate nursing care based on identified patient needs.
• Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans through conferences and shift reports.
• Administer medications, IV therapies, and perform treatments in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Educate patients and families, considering physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, and addressing barriers to learning.
• Follow safety protocols to maintain a safe, clean environment.
• Report and document patient observations and test results accurately and promptly.
• Assign nursing care and other duties to team members based on patient needs and staff capabilities.
• Assist with emergency interventions such as cardiac arrest management.
• Participate in mandatory in-service training, departmental meetings, and complete required certifications and competencies.
• To serve as RN Charge Nurse, demonstrate leadership, decision-making, and communication skills, with adequate clinical experience and ability to delegate appropriately. Flexibility to float between campuses is required, with training provided.

DCH Standards:

• Maintain performance, satisfaction, and financial standards as per evaluations.
• Comply with all DCH policies, including behavioral standards and safety practices.
• Utilize electronic communication and management systems effectively.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Current Alabama RN license. Current AHA BLS certification. At least 2 years of RN experience, including 1 year in dialysis. Professional nursing certification preferred. Must be proficient in English communication skills.

Work Context:

• Demonstrate leadership and decision-making skills affecting patient outcomes.
• Effective communication and delegation skills are essential.
• Ability to handle conflicts and stressful situations.
• Engage with diverse personalities and communicate face-to-face.
• Use electronic mail, phones, and texts effectively.
• Work collaboratively in groups and perform structured/unstructured tasks under time pressure.
• Exposure to human fluids, chemicals, and potential hazards requires proper safety equipment.

Physical Factors:

• Medium exertion: up to 50 lbs. occasionally, 30 lbs. frequently, 10 lbs. constantly.
• Prolonged standing, walking, reaching, and emergency response capabilities required.
• Fine motor skills and sensory perception are necessary.
• Physical stamina for extended shifts is essential. Normal or corrected hearing and vision are required. Onsite presence is mandatory.