Dialysis Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Dialysis Technician position is responsible for providing technical support to the nursing staff by performing hemodialysis machine set-up, tear down, and safety checks. This position monitors water system and maintains inventory of supplies. The Dialysis Technician position performs the necessary tasks to deliver a safe and efficient dialysis for end-stage renal disease patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This position demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated level tasks for assigned age-specific, diverse patient population, assisting in the delivery of patient care and services. The Dialysis Technician position practices Patient and Family Centered Care.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Works well with others and conducts clear and professional problem resolution. Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

• Communicates with Bio Med regarding equipment problems and water treatment problems. Completes Service Request when needed on Intranet for equipment problems.

• Actively participates in making recommendations for improving working relationships in the department. Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee satisfaction, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides assistance to patients with various tasks, e.g. meal trays, moving patients from stretcher/wheelchair, weighing patients, taking temperatures, turning patients, etc.

• Monitors treated water system and performs daily chloramine testing, documenting results accordingly.

• Assists at shift turnaround by cleaning the dialysis machines externally, setting up dialyzer, and preparing patient station for next patient. Completes preparations including making bed, emptying trash and general tidying up of the patient stations.

• Contributes towards improving department scores for patient satisfaction on unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows manufacturer recommended cleaning and rinsing procedures on all hemodialysis machines.

• Responds promptly to machine alarm situations and performs corrective actions. Reports machine related problems to facility/maintenance personnel.

• Practices strict blood and body fluid precautions as established in OSHA standards. Follows personal safety practices by wearing appropriate PPE at all times when possible contact with blood, body fluids or chemicals may occur. Reports near misses and collaborates with the interprofessional health care team to improve patient safety.

• Contributes towards improving quality and safety scores on the department scorecard, through peer-to-peer accountability. Supports initiatives to prevent conditions such as pressure injuries, patient falls, and hospital-acquired infections.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Stocks supplies and maintains inventory control. Maintains storage and supply areas in an orderly fashion. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and shared governance activities.

• Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question, from preceptor and assigned licensed personnel. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Six months health care experience

• One year dialysis experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Ability to build and sustain interpersonal relationships

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of isolation, infection control and safety procedures. Practices universal precautions at all times when assisting patients

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem solving

• Demonstrates ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department and interprofessional health care team as appropriate

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas (two-way tie) and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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