Student Nurse Clinical Placement

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:The Nursing student supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. 

The Nursing student functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

DUTIES / ACTIVITIES:Nursing students must adhere to all facility and FMCNA policies and procedures.Based on the length of the clinical placement, the student nurses may perform all or some of the duties as time allows after they receive training in the specific functional area. Under the direction and visual supervision of an RN-P, the Student may:

During Clinical placements for less than 3 months duration:Required Education:

• eLearning: Infection Control; Intro to Basic Dialysis; Intro to Water self-study, Blood Glucose Monitoring
• PREP Classes: Infection Control, Evaluating and Monitoring the Patient, Foot checks, water class

Allowable Duties:

• Escort patients to and from the scale
• Assist patient with washing access
• Vital signs, including weight
• Attend daily huddles
• Surface disinfection stations/machines
• Hand crank in emergency
• Lab preparation
• Internal machine disinfection
• Check for residual bleach
• Mix bleach water
• Check blood sugars
• Administer ONSP per order
• Pre initiation safety check 
• RN Assessment/POC in tandem with preceptor RN
• Attend Care plan meeting
• Crash cart, AED, refrigerator daily checks
• Medication review with preceptor
• Attend QAI Meeting
• Attend POC Meeting
• Foot checks with RN preceptor
• Access assessment with RN preceptor
• Obtain pH and conductivity of machine
• Observe in Home Therapies
• Attend a clinic day in HT
• Attend a day at the access center

During Clinical placement for 3-6 months duration:

Required Education:

• PREP Class: Basic Access, Emergency Preparedness, Safety, Complications, Machine Day

Allowable Duties:

• Machine Set up
• Machine tear down
• Post treatment emptying
• Water checks
• Draw blood cultures and labs
• Lead a daily huddle
• Initiate or terminate a treatment on a patient with a mature fistula or graft only (preceptor to cannulate)
• Medication administration:  heparin, lidocaine, and NS
• Assist on QAI team project with preceptor RN
• Preparation of dialysate

Qualifications - External

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required. 

The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.

The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and to lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist” devices for the heavier items.

EDUCATION:

An individual who has successfully completed the following as provided by the academic program:

• Three quarters of the ADN program, or

• Junior year of a BSN program, or

• Two years of a nursing school program

• Other programs require approval from Clinical Services and Education

Note:  If a student nurse has completed an approved PCT certification program, please refer to PCT Student Clinical placement Policy that outlines allowable duties for students enrolled in a PCT certification program.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS

Preferred outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.  Possess the desire to deliver superior care to our patients and embrace Fresenius’ mission and values.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The clinical placement student cannot work under the supervision of a family member. 

The student cannot care for a patient who is a family member. If the student’s family member is a patient at the facility in which they work, the student will be scheduled to work on days the patient is not in the facility or will be assigned to another patient. 

SUPERVISION:

Will be supervised by a Clinical Manager and Preceptor. 

Preceptor: An individual who directly supervises the work of the Nursing student in the dialysis facility.

OTHER:

Performs additional duties as assigned.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity 

 Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.