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PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Provides oversight for the vascular access program in an area/region/location to ensure optimal vascular access placement and maintenance for all dialysis patients and to ensure achievement of FMCNA or facility specific quality enhancement goals for vascular access and data related to program. Acts as the subject matter expert and resource with respect to vascular access issues for the assigned programs

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.

DUTIES / ACTIVITIES:

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• Responsible for driving the FMS culture through values and customer service standards.

• Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.

• Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.

• Takes initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Responsible for coordinating all aspects of the area/regional vascular access programs, ensuring all tasks and functions are completed according to the established procedures and in compliance with all applicable Federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.

• Coordinates vascular access interventions with vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and their staff to facilitate outpatient solutions to vascular access problems and minimize indwelling central catheter time. This includes but is not limited to:

• Coordinating the scheduling vascular access appointments for new starts,

• Communicating with intervention radiologists regarding history of the access and making recommendations regarding appropriate intervention requirements.

• Developing surgeon specific reports for surgical referrals and to identify areas of improvement.

• Acting as liaison between intervention radiologist and vascular surgeon communicating and coordinating actions as required by the particular situation.

• Provides continuity of access care through ongoing assessment beginning at the time of initial contact and throughout the dialysis service relationship. Assesses maturation of new dialysis access on clinical visits, referring to surgeon for intervention and/or revision if a problem is identified, maintaining communication with both surgeon and patient as appropriate. Documents all results of assessments in appropriate manuals, files and databases. Communicates results to Nephrologists regularly.

• Collects and supervises data collection of patient specific vascular access. This includes but is not limited to:

• Entering the vascular access intervention results data for all patients in a database,

• Maintaining the data base to include information such as access complications and failures.

• Recording and monitoring infection-related data including occurrences, locations, organisms, and sensitivities

• Monitoring access flow results and coordinating interventions as appropriate.

• Maintaining clinic-based patient information documents to ensure clinic staff and physicians are up-to-date regarding patient fistula/graft status.

• Providing reports regarding data information to the appropriate persons as required.

• Maintaining and updating the vascular access tracking programs; keeping track of vascular access and surgeon success rates providing reports to surgeons, Nephrologists and CQI meetings as needed.

• Coordinates the scheduling of appointments for Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology as appropriate. Communicates with the Vascular Surgeons regarding appointments.

• Provides reports regarding vascular access data and results on all patients during CQI. Collaborates with CQI teams to resolve access related issues and provides any required data including fistula, grafts and catheter rates. Arranges annual area-wide meetings with pertinent agencies and management to review data and plan CQI projects.

• Works with Medical Directors, Clinical Managers and Team Leaders to develop uniform/standardized vascular access-related procedures and protocol to meet DOQI guidelines. Conducts occasional audits to ensure compliance with the established vascular access specific protocols.

• Educates facility staff on the proper techniques for cannulation and phlebotomy and monitors through ad hoc audits to ensure compliance.

• Assists dialysis staff in developing material and training for patient education regarding access and access care.

• Works with Medical Directors, Clinical Manager and Team Leaders to develop and improve organizational tools which enable improved surveillance and monitoring of vascular access utilizing the most current appropriate techniques.

• Participates in the education and the coordination of access placement of the pre-ESRD patient regarding vascular access when the patient’s choice of modality is hemodialysis. Provides input in the development of patient education material.

• Collaborates with the RightStart program case managers or designee to educate new patients about access and the need for fistulas.

• Assist dialysis unit staff to develop superior clinical and educational skills in the management of vascular access.

• Facilitate Quality Improvement Teams and projects in the management of vascular access in all facilities.

• Act as a vascular access resource person for all facilities involved.

• Other duties as assigned.

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.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum requirement: Graduate of an accredited LPN/LVN program.

• Current appropriate state licensure.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Minimum of one year of hemodialysis experience.

• Minimum of one year medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.

• Acute care nursing (ICU-CCU-ACUTE dialysis) experience preferred but not required.

• Management experience preferred but not required.

• Good verbal and written communication and customer management skills.

• Valid driver’s license and insurance as required by state where employed.

• Computer skills (especially Excel and Word programs).

• Must complete FMS Clinical Orientation Training.

RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal Contacts: Facility Direct Patient Care Staff, Medical Directors, Attending Physicians, support staff and management team.

• External Contacts: Patients and family members, Local, State and Federal Regulatory Agencies, Non-Affiliated Physicians, Interventional Radiology staff and Surgeons and physician’s staff, Administrative personnel of area hospitals, Outside vendors

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.