The Durham VA Health System, has one (1) Full-time vacancy for a Registered Nurse at the Durham Dialysis Center. The RN will be fully qualified and certified to function in a clinical role and in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

Duties

The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care with End Stage Renal Disease in both the acute and chronic setting. This nurse will be cross trained to work at either the Durham VAMC or the Brier Creek Dialysis Unit as determined by the Manager based on the staffing needs of the two units. Duties of the Dialysis Nurse include: Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis, ESRD, Transplantation and Nephrology Oversees the preparation of the delivery system, dialysis bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm test on the dialyzer and equipment are performed Oversees dialysis technicians in the performance of dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment and performance of dialysis machines Overseas disassembly and disinfection of dialysis equipment Conducts pre-dialysis patient assessment including obtaining patient vital signs and assessing the patients vascular access, laboratory findings, and the patients general health. Assess, prepares and consulates a patients vascular access including needle insertion in arterial/venous fistula or grafts for aseptic connection with dialysis equipment. Conducts post dialysis assessment and patient discharge by evaluating treatment, documenting medication administration utilizing the appropriate protocols, assessing condition of vascular access, discharging the patient when vital signs are stable, and documenting and recording patient treatment date. Documents findings of patient assessment and interventions and advises providers of any notable change in the patients condition and other pertinent information. Follows Infection Control and CDC guidelines when dealing with patient care. Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of the transmission of blood- borne pathogens. Utilizes sterile technique to assess the dialysis catheter exit site and to apply dressing on the patients vascular access dialysis catheter, arterial/venous access per protocols. Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection; this includes (if needed and after receiving the appropriate training) the ability to perform arterial/venous access monitoring using Transonic machine per protocol. Provides patient education/teaching applicable to the patients medical condition. Verifies that patients are taking all prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation. Discusses patient concerns and answers questions relevant to care. Refers patient to other disciplines or services as needed (nutrition, social work, Radiology, etc). Performs other treatments and diagnostics tests required as part of patient treatment. Maintains skills necessary to do regional heparin administration, separate and store blood sample, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain dialysis equipment, PPD administration and other medications as ordered or by protocol. Demonstrates a working knowledge of the national guidelines and the facility protocols for immunization of the dialysis patients (such as influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis-B vaccination), dialysis laboratory tests and medications. Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, water cultures) ensure that these machines are operating within the parameters set in the facility written protocols. Responds appropriately and provides assistance in emergency situations. Provides Leadership in improving patient care, maintaining standards of care, directing and teaching personnel in variety of setting, and proving charge nurse responsibilities as needed. Participates in quality improvement activities to include collection of the data for the dialysis unit Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan. Works closely with others on the dialysis team and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and other internal and external customers. Maintains responsibility for providing coverage to the dialysis center-must have flexibility of schedule to provide patient care coverage VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: MON-SAT 0600-1630 (compressed) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: NO Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Preferred Qualifications: At least two years of successful nursing practice Current Dialysis experience with cannulation and patient monitoring, rapid dialysis treatment, etc. Demonstrated evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, excellent communication skills, and excellent attendance record Preferred Level of Education BSN Preferred Certification(s) ANCC for Nephrology Certification Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing; clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who" are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete- annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: Whitlea Mitchell
• Phone: 804-738-1750
• Email: [email protected]