Associate Practitioner

Location: Hamilton, Leicester

**About Us**

At DaVita UK, we provide dialysis care for over 2,000 patients across 26 clinics in the UK. We’re part of DaVita International who are focused on transforming care and improve quality of life for people receiving dialysis treatment globally. We are an independent nurse-led provider working in partnership with the NHS to deliver the highest level of care in state-of-the-art clinics with the most technologically advanced equipment.

**Role Overview**

The role of an Associate Practitioner is to assist and support the registered dialysis nurse practitioner in ensuring optimal care for patients on dialysis and to provide care within agreed competencies under the supervision of the registered nurse.

**Main Responsibilities**
- To prepare the patient for dialysis treatment.
- To monitor and record patient vital signs (BP, Pulse, Temperature), identifying and reporting abnormalities promptly.
- To prepare and programme the dialysis machine as per the dialysis prescription for haemodialysis (HD) or haemodiafiltration (HDF).
- To connect the patient to the dialysis machine and commence treatment as prescribed.
- To obtain blood samples via dialysis access or blood glucose.
- To monitor the patient throughout treatment, recognising and reporting changes promptly to a registered nurse.
- To administer saline/online fluid bolus (appropriate to treatment type) as per patient needs and under supervision of a registered nurse.
- To discontinue dialysis including wash back and removal of needles as per vascular access competency assessment pack;
- To promptly report any concerns regarding the patient’s treatment or changes in the patient’s condition, behaviour or appearance to registered nurse and recognise sepsis.
- To document all actions and interventions clearly, accurately and comprehensively in the patient records.
- To follow evidence-based infection control practice and procedures.
- To support and help motivate the team to consistently deliver high quality, safe compassionate care alongside optimal patient, carer and staff experience.
- Always act in such a manner that promotes a positive image of DaVita.
- Communicate and support patients and their carers in understanding their care and treatment. Identifying potentially difficult and challenging situations and seeking appropriate and timely advice as required.
- Liaise and communicate effectively with a range of people on a range of matters within the multidisciplinary team. Effectively using different methods of communication to support the delivery of care.
- To be competent to assess capacity and gain valid informed consent and understand the legal framework with patients who lack capacity and might be vulnerable.

**Person Specification**
- NVQ level 3 qualification Health Care specific or NVQ level 3 equivalent, or a foundation degree in Nursing, or overseas-qualified Nurses.
- Desirable experience includes working in a haemodialysis unit with knowledge and experience of caring for renal/dialysis patients.
- Basic computer skills advantageous.

**What we offer**
- Competitive salary based on experience
- No night shifts or Sunday working
- Flexible timings
- Flexible contracts
- Full training

**Want To Work**
**With Us?**:
If you would be interested in working at Renal Services on a permanent or temporary basis,