Nurse Specialist Dialysis – Peritoneal

• • The Dialysis Nurse Specialist is a professional registered nurse who operates, manages, and maintains the treatments provided by the Dialysis RN for patients requiring extracorporeal support for acute or long term dialysis-related therapies. The Dialysis Nurse Specialist functions independently under the direction of the nephrologists, following standard guidelines for dialysis, renal replacement therapies, and apheresis.

• • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
  • Benefit eligible employee

• • Education and experience as follows:
  • Successfully completed the dialysis unit orientation process
  • Independently functioning in the Dialysis staff RN role by:
    • Perform all dialysis treatment therapies
    • Managing on-call requirements
  • Minimum 6 months in the Dialysis Staff RN role

• • Current RN License in the State of Alabama
  • Current BLS certificate required
  • National Certification preferred

Additional Information

In the Dialysis Unit you have an opportunity to provide Dialysis care for a variety of patients, including those with End-Stage Chronic Kidney disease and acutely ill patients requiring dialysis and plasmapheresis.
The Chronic Dialysis Unit manages patients receiving Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, or Home Hemodialysis.  Our patients range in age from newborns to young adults.  Care is specialized to meet the needs of each individual patient.  The Hemodialysis patient receives their dialysis treatment in the clinic 3-5 times a week. The Peritoneal Dialysis and Home Hemodialysis treatments are provided in the patient’s home once the parent/caregiver is trained to operate the machine. They are followed monthly in clinic visit.
The Dialysis Unit is open for chronic patient care needs Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:30 am – 5:00 pm; Tuesday & Thursday hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Saturday & Sunday hours vary based on treatment needs. Several schedule options are available within the unit including 7on/7off.  Night call is required and shared by the nurses.
The patient receiving Dialysis is supported by a multidisciplinary team that consists of a physician, nurses, social worker, nutritionist, pharmacist, child-life therapist, teacher, and counselor.  The group works together to meet the medical and emotional needs of the patient and caregiver.
The work environment is highly technical and fast-paced as we transition caring for both the chronically ill and the acutely ill ICU patients.  We provide a detailed orientation plan to the nurse to become proficient in providing hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy and plasmapheresis. Previous experience in dialysis or pediatrics is not required.