Certified Dialysis Technician

Overview

Dialysis is located on the forth floor of DCH Regional campus and the main floor at DCH Northport campus. Our hours at the Regional campus are Monday-Saturday 6:30-1900 with call taken on Sunday and after hours. On the Northport campus hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with call taken on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and after hours. Our Regional unit has eight dialysis bays, and the ability to perform bedside and peritoneal dialysis. The Northport campus has five dialysis bays and the ability to perform bedside and peritoneal dialysis. The nurses and Certified Dialyses Techs on this unit prepare and perform dialyses treatments on patients within our organization.

Disinfects water system and Dialysis equipment and collects and monitors environmental cultures. Maintains supplies, equipment and an orderly environment. Sets up Hemodialysis machines in preparation for treatments and disassembles and cleans/disinfects the machines after treatments. Monitors patient condition during treatment, provides direct care, transports patients and functions as Unit Secretary. Enters charges, orders supplies and maintains proper unit inventories (both sterile and non-sterile).

Responsibilities

Begins dialysis schedule for next day, and put in computer after completion by Charge Nurse

Disinfects hemodialysis machines and water systems as defined by AAMI and unit standards at routine and PRN schedules as necessary

Collects and monitors environmental cultures and takes the appropriate actions as needed.

Maintains functional knowledge of water systems.

Inventory, order and store unit supplies.  Monitor supply expiration dates rotating stock as necessary to have closest expiration date used first.

Clean, check and store unit equipment. 

Knowledge of and adherence to work-related safety standards.

Start day with water system checks per policy and procedure.  Set-up dialysis machines and prime tubing maintaining sterile technique.  Perform water system chlorine checks every four hours.

Disassembles disposables and cleans/disinfects hemodialysis machines

Initiate maintenance requests for repairs as indicated

Clean and stock treatment area regularly.  Maintain supply and water rooms making sure areas are clean and organized.

Answers telephone and relays messages accurately. Sends and receives faxes.

Maintain accurate supply, equipment, cleaning and disinfection records.

Cross-trains to function as Medical/Surgical Unit Secretary and PCA and is prepared to work in those roles during times of low census.

Enters patient data in Dialysis computer system.

Assists in orientation of new staff as it relates to disinfection processes, secretarial functions and water system maintenance

Attends required meetings and inservice programs, competencies, and CBTs. 

Assists with the care and monitoring of patients receiving hemodialysis treatments under supervision of RN.

Provides direct care interventions to include, but not limited to: feeding, bathing, elimination, repositioning, comfort measures, measuring of Vital Signs, transfers to and from bed, weighing, and changing of linen.

Runs errands necessary for patient care/unit functions

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Mission, Vision, and Values including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must be credentialed as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission.  Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English.

WORK CONTEXT

• Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion
• Dealing with unpleasant or verbally aggressive personalities
• Must be able to deal with conflict
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately
• Must be able to receive delegation
• Must be able to work in groups
• Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work
• Must be meet time pressure and time lines
• Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner
• Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting
• Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions
• Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift
• Must be able to run in an emergency
• Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range
• Must possess stamina to work prolonged shift
• Physical presence onsite is essential