Travel Nurse RN - Gastroenterology
Asheville, NC
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Days

Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' medical history, current kidney function, and related comorbidities.
• Monitor vital signs, fluid balance, and lab results such as serum creatinine, electrolytes, and urine output to assess kidney function and response to treatments.
• Identify early signs of kidney deterioration or complications, including electrolyte imbalances, and report them to the healthcare team.
• Perform physical assessments, including monitoring for edema, blood pressure changes, and other symptoms of renal dysfunction.

Dialysis Care and Management:

• Administer hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatments to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney injury (AKI), ensuring the process is done safely and effectively.
• Prepare dialysis equipment, monitor during the procedure, and troubleshoot any issues with the dialysis machine or access sites (e.g., AV fistulas, grafts, or peritoneal catheters).
• Monitor the patient throughout dialysis for signs of adverse reactions, such as hypotension, fluid overload, or infections at the access site.
• Provide post-dialysis care, including monitoring for complications, such as bleeding, infection, or electrolyte imbalances.

Patient Education and Support:

• Educate patients about chronic kidney disease, treatment options, dialysis, and how to manage their condition at home.
• Provide instruction on home dialysis procedures, including peritoneal dialysis, when applicable, and ensure patients are well-informed on how to care for their dialysis access and manage any complications.
• Teach patients about dietary restrictions, fluid management, and medication adherence to optimize kidney function and prevent further damage.
• Offer emotional and psychological support to patients and their families, addressing the impact of kidney disease and dialysis on their lives.

Medication Administration and Management:

• Administer medications as prescribed, including those for blood pressure control, anemia management (e.g., erythropoiesis-stimulating agents), and electrolyte imbalances.
• Monitor the effectiveness and side effects of medications, adjusting as necessary under the guidance of the nephrologist.
• Educate patients on the proper use of medications and the importance of compliance with prescribed regimens, especially in relation to dialysis and managing kidney disease symptoms.

Coordination with Healthcare Team:

• Collaborate with nephrologists, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients with renal conditions.
• Participate in patient care rounds, providing updates on patient status, response to dialysis, and any concerns regarding renal function.
• Communicate with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordination of care for patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which can impact kidney health.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Follow strict infection control procedures, especially when handling dialysis equipment, managing dialysis access points, or caring for patients with chronic renal conditions.
• Monitor for signs of infection at dialysis access sites (e.g., dialysis fistulas, grafts, or catheters) and take appropriate action when necessary.
• Educate patients on infection prevention, including hygiene practices for dialysis access care.

Documentation and Record-Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, treatments, dialysis sessions, lab results, and any changes in condition.
• Ensure that patient records are compliant with regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, and institutional standards for documentation and privacy.
• Track patient progress and response to treatments, including monitoring lab values such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Emergency Care and Response:

• Provide emergency care in situations such as dialysis complications (e.g., hypotension, fluid overload, or blood clotting), acute kidney injury, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Respond to patient needs promptly, including the need for immediate adjustments to dialysis treatments or medications.
• Perform basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) when needed.