According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics nursing is one of the top 10 occupations with the largest job growth. Nurses travel jobs and assignments are available in every state and the specialty list continues to grow. Room for continuous growth and expanding of your career in the Nursing and healthcare field is a great asset for this type of work as well. Expand your career and your experience and explore our beautiful country at the same time!

LPN/LVNs in Dialysis are usually Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses who work in a dialysis facility or long term care facility. Dialysis Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses provide care and support for patients suffering from acute and chronic kidney failure. Following physician orders they assist pre-dialysis, during dialysis procedures and post-dialysis.

Dialysis LPN/LVNs provide individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of scientific nursing principles.

Responsibilities of Dialysis Nurses may include:

• Recording patient vital signs and medical information, including history.
• Prime dialyzer and bloodlines
• Prepare the dialysis equipment
• Oversee the dialysis treatment from start to finish
• Cannulate accesses
• Clean and dress permanent and temporary catheters
• Demonstrate the ability to remove femoral sheaths
• Administer medications, including thrombolytics
• Monitor patient and adjust equipment as required.
• Interpret and record the information
• Follows facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment
• Monitor for, and identify, irregular dialysis reactions and notify appropriate medical team members if required.
• Secure blood works
• Educate the patient and their family members how to manage their illness. Explain post-treatment home care needs, diet, nutrition and exercise program which may be helpful. Educate the patient in self-administration of medication if necessary.
• Maintain medical inventory

Working conditions require round-the-clock care so working hours may include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Work is strenuous as LPN/LVN will spend a lot of time walking, bending, stretching and standing as well as assisting in patient transfers. The LPN/LVN must guard against back injury because of patient lifts and transfers. LPN/LVN must follow proper body mechanics and procedures for lifting and moving patients.

Dialysis LPN/LVN may face hazards from exposure to infectious diseases and chemicals.

Physical Demands of Dialysis LPN/LVN

• Demonstrate the ability to lift 20 pounds repeatedly. Moving, lifting and transfer of patients may involve lifting much heavier weights.
• Standing for long periods of time as well as stretching, bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling and sitting are all part of this job as well.
• Fine motor skills and visual acuity are very important as close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus are all necessary to perform this job.