Travel Nurse RN - Nephrology - $2,398 per week - Magnet Medical : Job Details

Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

• Perform thorough assessments of renal patients, including evaluating their medical history, current health status, and laboratory results.
• Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction, fluid imbalances, electrolyte abnormalities, and other related complications.
• Regularly measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and document any changes or abnormalities.

Dialysis Care and Support:

• Administer hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis treatments according to established protocols and nephrologist's orders.
• Prepare patients for dialysis treatments, including connecting and disconnecting dialysis machines, monitoring the patient during treatment, and managing complications.
• Assess for complications during dialysis such as hypotension, infections, clotting, or electrolyte imbalances and take immediate action as needed.
• Educate patients about dialysis processes, potential complications, and how to manage their care at home.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management:

• Work with nephrologists to develop and implement care plans for patients with CKD, including medication management, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring.
• Educate patients and families on the importance of managing blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and adhering to prescribed medications to slow the progression of kidney disease.
• Monitor kidney function via lab tests (e.g., serum creatinine, BUN, eGFR) and adjust care plans accordingly.

Medication Management:

• Administer medications specific to renal disease management, such as phosphate binders, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and antihypertensive medications.
• Monitor for medication side effects or drug interactions, particularly given the patient's renal function and potential alterations in drug metabolism.
• Provide patient education on the importance of medication adherence and potential side effects.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance:

• Monitor patients' fluid intake and output, ensuring proper fluid balance and managing any issues with retention or dehydration.
• Assess and correct electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium, calcium, sodium) as directed by the nephrologist.
• Manage intravenous (IV) fluids, medications, and blood products, adjusting as necessary for renal patients' needs.

Patient Education and Support:

• Educate patients and their families about kidney disease, dialysis treatment options, diet, and lifestyle changes to manage their condition and prevent further damage.
• Provide guidance on managing symptoms like edema, fatigue, and nausea, and offer advice on managing potential dialysis-related complications.
• Support patients emotionally, particularly those facing chronic illness or considering a kidney transplant, and offer resources for mental health support.

Pre-Transplant and Post-Transplant Care:

• For patients undergoing kidney transplants, assist with pre-transplant evaluations, including lab work, psychological evaluations, and coordinating care between nephrologists, surgeons, and transplant teams.
• Provide post-transplant care, including monitoring for signs of rejection, managing immunosuppressive medications, and educating patients on transplant care.
• Collaborate with the transplant team to ensure that the patient's recovery and long-term management are on track.

Complication Prevention and Management:

• Identify potential complications associated with renal disease, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and infections.
• Implement strategies to prevent infections, particularly in patients undergoing dialysis, by following strict infection control practices.
• Monitor for and manage complications such as peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis, vascular access site infections, and catheter-related issues.

Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

• Collaborate with nephrologists, dietitians, social workers, dialysis technicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care for renal patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care conferences to discuss treatment goals, address patient concerns, and optimize patient care plans.
• Assist with referrals to specialists, such as dietitians for renal diets or vascular surgeons for dialysis access issues.

Documentation and Recordkeeping:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of patient assessments, dialysis treatments, lab results, medications, and responses to care.
• Document any changes in the patient's condition, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR) to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure all documentation complies with regulatory standards, including those specific to nephrology and dialysis care.