Licensed Practical Nurse, Hemodialysis - Surrey Memorial Hospital

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Clinical Operations or designate, performs, implements, plans and evaluates nursing care for their own work assignments within the competency and practice guidelines established by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), current legislative scope of practice and Fraser Health (FH) policies and procedures.

Working in collaboration with the interprofessional team, the Licensed Practical Nurse, Hemodialysis provides practical nursing services during the pre-dialysis, intra-dialysis and post-dialysis periods in a hemodialysis environment as a member of an integrated nephrology team performing varied and complex renal interventions for patients / clients with stable or predictable states of health.

Responsibilities Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient / client care during the pre-dialysis, intra-dialysis and post-dialysis periods in accordance with clinical decision support tools and other clinical care resources as appropriate.

Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with the patient / client and significant others through the use of interpersonal and interviewing techniques ensuring patient / client choice and autonomy in decision-making and care planning.

Contributes to the development and ongoing changes to the individualized plan of care, including attending and providing input into multidisciplinary care planning meetings and family conferences.

Advocates for the interest of the patient / client and significant others. Performs patient care duties in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN) and other members of the nephrology team prior to client / patient dialysis.

Plans, organizes and establishes client care-plan priorities when providing care; responds to unexpected events and changing client needs within scope of practice.

Performs nursing duties related to hemodialysis in accordance with LPN competencies. Collaborates with the RN and other members of the nephrology team as required.

Escalates care as required for changes in client's condition. Performs other nursing functions as required. Promotes client involvement in health care decisions by facilitating teaching strategies to increase the client''s understanding of care plan, chronic disease management, nursing procedures and / or interventions;

reviews and evaluates teaching strategies to optimize client understanding; revises teaching strategies in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

Performs nursing care according scope or practice and competencies and FH standards, policies and procedures, technology and evaluates outcomes, records observations and reports problems and / or changes to designated staff.

Documents and updates information on relevant care and procedures to ensure client safety. Administers medications and / or provides medication education to clients consistent with the established policies and procedures.

Participates in quality improvement and program activities to maintain consistent level of care and to ensure that interdisciplinary team members work collaboratively.

Maintains a safe working environment for the client and others by adhering to established safety policies, standards and procedures including emergency procedures and infection control guidelines;

reports unsafe conditions and / or malfunctioning equipment. Assists in the orientation and education of new staff, students and other members of the interdisciplinary team, in collaboration with the Manager or designate.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Grade 12, plus graduation from an approved program of Practical Nursing, and successful completion of post-basic education through an in-house program offered by a health authority affiliated with BC Renal, plus one year recent related experience working as a Licensed Practice Nurse in acute care, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current full practicing registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and current certificates in CPR Level C or equivalent and First Aid.

Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others. Ability to operate related equipment. Ability to organize and prioritize.

Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients. Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.