Staff
Many experienced, concerned people work at Northwest Kidney Centers to provide treatment and help you with the difficulties of kidney failure. All of us are committed to working together as a team to meet your needs and help you with any concerns you have. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff provides you with a wide range of services designed to make your dialysis treatments as smooth as possible.
Case Managers
Case managers are registered nurses who coordinate your care. They monitor and track your care to make sure it meets your dialysis needs and your doctor's recommendations. They also work with other Northwest Kidney Centers support services like Nutrition, Fitness, and Social Services to make sure all aspects of your treatment are considered.
Registered Nurses
Skilled nurses at Northwest Kidney Centers complete an extensive training program in kidney disease and dialysis. During this training they learn about the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of long-term dialysis patients. These nurses have a special commitment to patient care and understand your need to be treated as a whole person, not just a case of kidney disease.
Nurses carefully monitor your treatment and share information with your doctor about the progression of your treatment.
Your nursing care includes:
- Ongoing assessment of your health before, during, and after dialysis in order to identify any medical problems.
- The review of laboratory results and other medical information so problems can be found and treatment changes made.
- Working with you to develop a plan of care that meets your personal needs.
- Closely monitoring your health and treatment, and sharing information often with your private doctor about your care.
- Teaching you about your illness and how to manage it.
- Assuring you of a safe and caring place to dialyze.
- Respecting your privacy and the need to keep your medical information confidential.
Each dialysis unit and center has an assistant director of clinical units and a nurse manager or supervisor who coordinate all aspects of patient care. Your center’s assistant director and nurse supervisor or manager will be glad to answer any questions you might have. They are glad to discuss any concerns you or your family might have about your treatment . Make a point of getting to know these people as the more you feel comfortable with them, the better you will feel at each appointment.
Licensed Practical Nurses
After completing our formal training program, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) assist registered nurses (RNs) with your care. Under the direction of an RN, they also assess, monitor, plan with and teach patients.
Dialysis Technicians
Northwest Kidney Centers technicians also complete a detailed training program. They handle dialysis procedures and provide patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Dialyzer reuse, water treatment, maintenance, and repair of dialysis equipment are also the responsibility of technicians in some centers.
Support Services Staff
Many people with different skills and training are needed to staff a dialysis center. We are here to help you live as full a life as possible while on dialysis. You will meet many different people doing a variety of jobs. They are here to assist you and to answer your questions. Please call on them when ever you feel they can be of service to you. We're here to help!
- Northwest Kidney Centers medical directors
- Billing representatives
- Dietitians
- Financial coordinators
- Home helper coordinator
- Medical information coordinator
- Medical receptionists
- Patient relations coordinator
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
- Travel coordinator
Additional Staff
No organization can function without the able work of many people you may never meet. They help make it possible for everyone else to carry out their jobs on your behalf.
- Administration
- Business services
- Communications
- Computer services
- Distribution and supply
- Education
- Housekeeping
- Northwest Kidney Centers Foundation
- Plant operations
- Research
- Security
- Staff training
- Technical services