Travel Nurse RN - $2,164 per week in Oklahoma City, OK

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Nephrology provides specialized nursing care to patients with kidney-related conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and those undergoing dialysis. The RN in this role is responsible for managing and monitoring kidney patients' health, educating patients on their condition and treatment options, and collaborating with nephrologists and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. This role requires expertise in renal care, patient assessment, and support throughout the treatment process.

• 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.