Office Patient Assistant

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Ensures appropriate provision of outpatient dialysis services and treatments within assigned hospitals/facilities by coordinating scheduling and directing outpatient care staff and by performing dialysis treatments as needed. Ensures the provision of quality outpatient care to all hospitalized patients in the most efficient manner in accordance with company policy as well as regulations set forth by the company, state, and federal agencies.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

General and Staff Related:

• Coordinate and schedule direct patient care staff to provide coverage of outpatient dialysis treatments in contracted hospitals/facilities and ensure efficient patient scheduling and staff utilization.
• Ensure all outpatient treatments are performed in contracted hospitals/facilities according to established policies and procedures and in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, ensuring accurate documentation of patient treatment information.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to outpatient care staff. Collaborate with the Director of Operations and the Clinical Manager by providing informal feedback regularly and formal feedback during annual performance evaluations if applicable. Assist in staffing decisions, including hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure provision of dialysis-related services such as Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), hemoperfusion, peritoneal dialysis, and plasmapheresis as contracted.
• Stay updated on developments in dialysis techniques by participating in scheduled in-service classes.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of a Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Program to ensure quality patient care and compliance with all Joint Commission requirements. Maintain documentation of all activities and inform management of progress.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly QAI meetings to ensure proper reporting of outpatient QAI activities.
• Conduct and document outpatient staff meetings regularly, if appropriate.
• Ensure proper orientation and training programs for all outpatient staff. Provide ongoing in-service training and maintain documentation of all training activities.

Patient Care:

• Assess daily patient care needs and communicate concerns to attending physicians. Implement changes in patient care/treatment as directed.
• Perform outpatient treatments according to staffing ratios and oversee all dialysis-related medical and emergency functions.
• Communicate with physicians and healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans.
• Monitor patients' conditions for problems and potential complications related to dialysis.
• Administer medications to patients as per physician's orders.
• Act as a subject matter expert and resource for staff members.

Technical:

• Coordinate with technical staff to ensure preventive maintenance of dialysis machines, timely repairs, infection control measures, routine water culturing and testing, and proper transportation of equipment and supplies. Communicate technical information effectively to staff.
• Ensure efficient utilization of supplies and equipment.
• Operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when necessary.

Administration:

• Serve as liaison between Clinical Manager, Director of Operations, facility staff, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the DO/AM and Market Development Group to enhance outpatient programs.
• Oversee business office activities, including billing, payroll, and purchase orders.
• Ensure timely submission of treatment logs and reports to relevant departments.
• Practice cost containment strategies across all areas, including supplies and personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment are typical of healthcare facilities, including desk work, computer use, and interaction with patients and staff. Travel between facilities and community locations may be required. Attendance at regional meetings may also be necessary.
• Employees are required to pass the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failure does not preclude employment as accommodations may be considered.
• The work environment involves potential exposure to infectious diseases/materials, with controlled temperature and moderate noise levels.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (R.N.)
• Current appropriate state licensure

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Minimum of 9 months nursing experience plus 3 months of specialized dialysis care in acute or chronic settings.
• 6 months dialysis experience in an acute setting preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year medical-surgical or ICU-CCU nursing experience preferred.
• Peritoneal dialysis experience required where applicable.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including quality improvement, relationship development, team building, motivation, performance management, and decision-making.
• Management skills necessary for supervising dialysis personnel and ensuring high-quality patient care.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal Contacts: Outpatient care staff, RRI facility physicians, hospital/facility personnel, Director of Operations/Area Manager, Technical Staff, and corporate management.

External Contacts: Contracted hospital personnel, outside vendors, and external agencies/providers.

SUPERVISION

Direct supervision of outpatient care staff, including PCTS, Biomedical personnel, and other nursing staff.

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 laws.