Covenant Health

Graduate Nurse Associate, Nephrology

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Kidney disease is the 9^th leading cause of death in the USA.  There is approximately 850 million people who suffer from some sort of kidney disease.  At Fort Sanders Regional we take an important role in caring for these patients in the acute stages of kidney failure and also helping with other complications that occur because of chronic kidney failure.  On this unit we focus on patients who have hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, urinary infections, and other urological conditions. Our unit cares for patients with other medical and cardiac issues as well.

The Nephrology Unit (3 West) at Fort Sanders Regional is a 17 bed telemetry unit serving a wide variety of medical patients. Our primary population consists of patients with acute or chronic renal failure, diabetes and cardiac issues. We focus on patients who have hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, urinary infections, and other urological conditions. 

We specialize in the treatment of the kidney patient including those who are newly diagnosed with a kidney issue, as well as individuals who are long term dialysis patients. Cardiac overflow.

As an RN on our nephrology unit, you will perform a variety of tasks. Nurses on 3 West are specially trained in performing peritoneal dialysis and managing select cardiac drips. Our goal is to provide excellent patient-centered care and prepare our patients and their families for care after discharge. Great basic nursing skills such as lines, drains, and tubing practices are used on this unit every day as well as cutting edge dialysis therapies. In addition to having excellent critical thinking skills, our ideal candidate will also possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

You will participate in team nursing, with the RN as Team Leader. Our staff consists of RNs, LPNs, CNA/PCAs, and HUCs who work together to provide exceptional care. We work in close collaboration with one another, our physicians and interdisciplinary team. We have a supportive environment and an orientation tailored to your needs. If you are looking for a work “home”, then you have found the right floor!

As an organization, we want to grow our employees by promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism. Because of this, nurses on 3 west are encouraged to become certified in Med/Surg nursing. If you choose to become certified, our organization can help with the cost of your testing, as well as pay you a yearly bonus for taking the next step in your career.

If you are passionate about putting patients first apply for our Nephrology unit today!

Position Summary: Provides professional nursing care within an assigned unit; coordinates care planning with other disciplines.

For more information on this position or others contact: Erica Young || eyoung9@covhlth.com || 865-331-2572

• Demonstrates competence in performing critical skills (appropriate delegation grid competency checklist) to include appropriate delivery of care according to age-specific needs of the population served.
• Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, height and intake-output measurements. Documents oxygen saturation if patient is connected to continuous pulse oximetry.
• Employs all established infection control policies including standard precautions, transmission-based isolation precautions, OSHA standards, safety measures and proper body mechanic in performance of job.
• Completes designated patient care activities and provides for patient comfort and privacy.
• Identifies and assists patients that need assistance with nutrition and/or hydration.
• If trained and competency demonstrated, empties drains, canisters, urine bags, bedpans and emesis basins and records intake and output.
• Helps to maintain clean and orderly patient and work environment.
• Assists RN in obtaining a thorough nursing history on assigned patients.
• Demonstrates effective therapeutic communication skills.
• Documents/maintains patient record as appropriate. Basic charting, admission history, basic observations under guidance of RN.
• Observes and reports significant changes in patient condition to RN.
• Obtains RN signature on all entries.
• Completes assigned tasks with minimal supervision, but seeks guidance when uncertain how to perform procedure.
• Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate channels. Displays cooperation, flexibility and positive behavior to patients and other staff members.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively perform under stress.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education: Must have graduated from an accredited registered nursing education program. Must have applied and fulfilled all other requirements for licensure as a nurse, and be approved by the State of Tennessee to sit for Nursing Boards within 30 days of graduation.

Minimum Experience: None required but able to perform as nursing assistant; previous hospital experience preferred. Must be able to operate computer and possess excellent interpersonal skills.

Licensure Requirement: CPR required.