Licensed Practical Nurse Hemodialysis Education

Job Description

Summary

BCIT Nephrology Program. Pre-requisite by distance: Sept 3 - Oct 18, 2024; CTF: Oct 21 - Nov 22, 2024; Preceptorship: Nov 25 - Dec 6, 2024 (dates are tentative) Dates are approx, set by BCIT.

Reporting to the Patient Care Manager and working in collaboration with the interprofessional team, the Licensed Practical Nurse, Hemodialysis Unit, provides practical nursing services in a hemodialysis environment as a member of an integrated nephrology team performing varied and complex renal interventions. The LPN functions as an independent practitioner, while recognizing situations such as increased patient acuity or care that falls outside the scope of an LPN as appropriate for accessing the RN/RPN for collaborative support and/or clinical intervention. Consults, confers, and collaborates with other members of the nephrology team in facilitating safe and effective interventions through the performance of pre-dialysis, dialysis, and post-dialysis activities such as assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting patient care, and providing support to patients and their families in accordance with the Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses as set out by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives and consistent with the mission, vision and values of Providence Health Care (PHC) and established protocols.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education
Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses with the full range of current licensed practical nursing competencies, and successful completion of a recognized Dialysis Program for Licensed Practical Nurses plus one (1) year recent related experience working as a Licensed Practical Nurse in acute care, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current practicing registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives. Current basic cardiac life support certification.



If the applicant does not possess the required qualifications, PHC will fund Post-Basic Education. Funding will consist of 100% for tuition and books; and wages at a rate of 100% of the posted FTE. The length of the Post-Basic Education is approximate. Eligibility for Post-Basic Education is restricted to applicants with a minimum of one (1) year acute care experience and who have not received Post-Basic Education Funding from PHC in the past two (2) years. Applicant must successfully complete the Post-Basic Education prior to working in the Department.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures appropriate for the area of service.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Hemodialysis and procedures appropriate for the area of service.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to deal with others effectively.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Ability to work as a member in an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to apply decision making and analytical skills.

Ability to role model conflict resolution strategies.

Ability to prioritize and organize work.

Ability to operate related equipment.

Ability to teach and identify patient/resident learning needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and documents patient care during the pre-dialysis, dialysis and immediate post-dialysis periods. Explains care plan to patient and/or family members, provides support, encouragement and educational material for reference.



Performs patient admission duties by methods such as assessing condition, individual patient needs and planning nursing care for the patient in collaboration with the RN, and other members of the nephrology team prior to the patient's dialysis.



Performs nursing duties related to hemodialysis such as weighing the patient pre and post dialysis, cannulation of established fistula or graft, continuous heparin regulation with RN guidance. Collaborates with the RN as well as other members of the nephrology team as required and performs other nursing functions as instructed.



Performs other related nursing duties such as administering medications, assisting the RN as required in accordance within established standards and protocols, and collaborating with other members of the nephrology team as required.



Monitors patients, recognizes changes and communicates with RN any problems, changes or unusual signs or symptoms of the patient while in the dialysis setting. In collaboration with RN provides appropriate nursing interventions.



Documents observations, treatment and other patient care activities during the pre, intra and post-dialysis periods by methods such as recording observations and/or information onto patient record.



Works collaboratively with RN regarding patient assignment in order to assess changes in patients, both physical and emotional and to determine the appropriate level of care required. Ensures access routes such as intravenous, fistulas and catheters are viable, and if access or other problems exist, the RN may become the primary care provider for the patient.



Maintains knowledge of relevant equipment used for the dialysis process, theory and mechanics of dialysis, in order to recognize problems with machinery, and inform appropriate staff member.



Attends a variety of meetings such as staff meetings, quality improvement and patient rounds to provide and obtain information and feedback about patients and patient care.



Assists with orientation of new staff by performing duties such as explaining and demonstrating work procedures and proper use of equipment and supplies.



Maintains and enhances knowledge of nephrology issues and trends by methods such as educational sessions, in-services, literature reviews and workshops as required to facilitate knowledge enhancement and technology changes.



Provides a safe environment for patients and staff by following safety instructions and reporting any unsafe situations to the Supervisor.



Performs related clerical duties such as answering the telephone, taking and relaying messages and assisting in maintaining standardized records.



Performs other related duties as assigned.

Vaccination Flag

As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.