Dialysis Technician

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical:

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Function as primary trainer for new techs
• Report any complaints or observations to the supervising RN.
• Obtain necessary pre- and post-treatment vital signs, height and weight. Report unusual findings to supervising RN.
• Under the supervision of an RN, perform vascular access cannulation and report any difficulties in cannulation or unusual findings to supervising nurse.
• Report vascular access patency issues or other unusual findings to the supervising RN.
• Under the supervision of an RN, initiate dialysis treatment per physician orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Under the direction of an RN, enters patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; Sodium (Na) modeling; and UF modeling as prescribed by the physician.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the supervising RN.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks per NCH policy and report any change or unusual findings to the supervising RN.
• Report to the supervising RN any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.
• During treatment monitor arterial and venous pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, document and report any unusual findings to the supervising RN.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Report intradialytic problems to supervising RN.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy and report any unusual findings to supervising RN.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment and document on Hemodialysis treatment sheet.
• Prior to termination of venous access obtain standing and sitting blood pressure and document on Hemodialysis treatment sheet.
• Under the supervision of an RN, discontinue dialysis treatment per established procedures and ensure hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Takes initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.

Environment and equipment maintenance:

• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics and ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments per NCH policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate.
• Perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant per NCH policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Function as a sitter in other departments as required.
• Must be able to work in the case of a Hospital declared emergency.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for the Position

Credentials and Experience Required:

• 1 Year of experience as a certified dialysis tech.
• Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification required at time of hire.
• BLS/CPR certification required within one week of hire. AHA & ARC accepted.
• Function as primary trainer for new techs.

Credentials and Experience Preferred:

• Certified PCT, EMT, or Phlebotomist.
• Associates Degree in a health care related field.

Ability to:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials
• The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may aid. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and to lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist" devices for the heavier items.
• English language proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and typing is required.