Registered Nurse SNF - job 1 of 2

As a Registered Nurse at DaVita in Lincoln Park Dialysis, your primary responsibilities include providing ongoing care to patients undergoing dialysis, troubleshooting treatment issues, and collaborating with the Skilled Nursing Facility staff to coordinate care. You'll also take charge of patient education, ensuring that patients and their families understand their treatment plans, and supervising Dialysis Technicians to meet the goals of the program.

To apply for the Registered Nurse position at DaVita, you need to hold a current RN license in the state of Illinois and have a minimum of 12 months of nursing experience. An Associate's Degree in Nursing (A.D.N) from an accredited institution is required, although a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N) or a three-year diploma may also be acceptable. Basic computer skills and proficiency in MS Word and Outlook are necessary for managing patient information and records.

Yes! DaVita is committed to the professional development of its nurses, offering a robust, paid training program that includes both classroom learning and hands-on experience. This training is designed to equip you with the specific skills required for dialysis care, ensuring you feel confident in your ability to provide excellent patient care upon joining the team.

Registered Nurses at DaVita can expect to work shifts of approximately 12-14+ hours, primarily Monday through Saturday. While you will primarily work at the Lincoln Park Dialysis location, there may be occasions where you need to float to other DaVita Skilled Nursing Facility locations in Illinois, depending on patient care needs.

DaVita offers an extensive benefits package for its Registered Nurses, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, and paid time off. Additional resources like family support, EAP counseling, and access to mental health apps are also available. DaVita values the well-being of its employees and has programs focused on career development and continual education.

In a fast-paced environment such as DaVita's dialysis centers, prioritizing patient care involves evaluating patient needs based on urgency and clinical significance. I tend to assess their conditions, administer medications as needed, and provide support based on their emotional and physical needs, ensuring every patient feels valued and cared for during their treatment.

I have actively engaged in patient education by explaining dialysis procedures, lifestyle changes, and dietary restrictions to patients and their families. I emphasize the importance of understanding treatment processes to empower them in their healthcare journey, enhancing their compliance and overall well-being.

Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team is crucial in healthcare. I recall a situation where I collaborated with dietitians, social workers, and physicians to manage a patient's care plan effectively. We held regular meetings to discuss the patient's progress and made necessary adjustments, which improved the patient's outcomes and satisfaction with their care.

In emergencies, I rely on my training and experience to remain calm and act swiftly. I quickly assess the situation, prioritize actions based on patient needs, and call for additional support. For instance, I once encountered a patient showing signs of distress during dialysis and immediately responded with the necessary interventions while alerting the medical team for further assistance.

My motivation for working in dialysis comes from my desire to improve patients' quality of life in a challenging, chronic condition. Witnessing the hope and gratitude of patients after successful treatments drives me to continuously provide compassionate and skilled care to those relying on dialysis.

Staying current with nursing practices involves regular participation in continuing education opportunities, attending workshops, and subscribing to relevant nursing journals. I also engage in discussions with peers to exchange knowledge about best practices and evolving standards, ensuring that my skills and knowledge remain sharp.

Building rapport with patients is essential. I often use active listening techniques and engage patients in friendly conversation to connect on a personal level. Understanding their backgrounds, concerns, and needs helps establish trust and a supportive environment, which is crucial in dialysis care.

To manage stress effectively, I practice self-care techniques such as regular physical activity, mindfulness exercises, and maintaining a supportive network among colleagues. I understand the importance of taking breaks when needed to refresh my mind and to prevent burnout, recognizing that taking care of ourselves is vital to providing the best care for our patients.

I have experience using electronic health records (EHR) for documenting patient information, accessing lab results, and communicating with other healthcare providers. Proficiency with EHR systems helps streamline care and ensures efficient access to patient data, which enhances the quality of care we provide.

If a patient is noncompliant with their treatment plan, I would first seek to understand their reasons by actively listening to their concerns. Then, I would educate them on the importance of adherence to their treatment and work together to identify any barriers they may face, finding solutions to empower them to follow through with their care.