Promoting and facilitating high quality care standards for dialysis and kidney transplant patients
in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Main phone (816) 880-9990
Patient toll free (800) 444-9965
Main fax (816) 880-9088
Data fax (816) 880-1775

7505 NW Tiffany Springs Pky. Suite 230 Kansas City, MO 64153

Promoting Professionalism in the Dialysis Environment - Gettting Back to the "Basics"

Heartland Kidney Network - S. Yelton, RN, CNN Quality Improvement Director
C. Long, BA, RHIT, Quality Improvement Coordinator

(The opinions expressed herein are our own.) Updated 11/2006

Reliability

• If you are scheduled to work, be there - on time!
• If you say you will do something, follow through and do it!
• Follow the facility policies for illness, absence, and being late due to emergency.
• Communicate with your supervisor

Responsibility

• Do what is expected of you (even the things you don’t "like" to do).
• You are responsible for your actions, words, and responses. No one "makes" you do anything.
• Keep learning. If you need to improve your skills, do it!
• Grow Up!
• If you did it, chart it! In a court of law, if it isn’t written, it didn’t happen.

Appearance

• Strive to dress cleanly, neatly, modestly, and appropriately for the situation.
• You don’t get a second chance to make a good "First Impression".
• When in doubt, opt for the conservative.
• Body odor is not acceptable.
• Outrageous ornaments, clothing, jewelry, etc. may make you look like you are "seeking attention" and immature.

Interacting With Others

• Don’t share too much personal information with other staff members or patients.
• Be very careful of what is said within the hearing of patients.
• Don’t be easily angered.
• The dialysis unit is no place to have a "bad attitude".
• Strive to do the "right thing" all of the time.

Staff Relations

• Try to get along with those you work with.
• "Cut each other a little slack" from time to time.
• Remember that you are not perfect either.
• Have fun and enjoy your shift while still getting the work done.
• Be helpful to those around you.
• Remember to say "please" and "thank you".
• If you appreciate someone, tell them!
• You don’t have to like your co-workers but you do have to work efficiently with them.
• If you are really unhappy in your job, do everyone a favor and find another one!

Staff/ Patient Relations

• Explain what you are doing to the patient before you do it.
• Have a gentle touch.
• Answer the patients questions in a courteous manner.
• Don’t "talk down" to the patient.
• Respect the modesty and privacy needs of the patient.
• Don’t assume that the patient likes to be called by his/her first name- better ask.
• Address patients with respect (Sir, Ma’am, Mr. Smith, etc.) especially if they are older than you.
• Remember to say "please" and "thank you".
• Cursing is never appropriate.
• Play conservative music in the unit and keep the volume level moderate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2008 End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) #12 Network Coordinating Council, Inc. dba Heartland Kidney Network
This resource was (created, developed, compiled, etc.) while under contract with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, Maryland. Contract #HHSM-500-2006-NW012C. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.