Dialysis Tech

Overview:

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Performs assigned patient care responsibilities under the direct supervision of a charge nurse. Monitors equipment and maintains inventory to ensure clinical environment meets the needs of the patient population.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities:

• 1. Monitors all equipment and patient status during dialysis treatments under the supervision of a nephrology nurse. .
• 1. documents and communicates to the nurse and immediately reports any significant changes in patient condition to the nurse
• 1. Prepares and organizes materials recognizing special needs of patient, procedure and Nephrologist.
• 1. Assist in room preparation setup prior to dialysis treatment when required.
• 1. Checks and maintains department equipment and supplies.
• 1. Safely sets up and monitors dialysis machines and systems; operates all equipment according manufacturer specifications and organizational policy and procedures.
• 1. Maintains inventory and records related to dialysis unit quality assurance monitoring per guidelines/regulations.
• 1. Demonstrates clinical and technical skills according to established standards of practice.
• 1. Collects patient data; monitors and documents status of vascular access, review labs work, patient observations and seeks guidance when levels are out of normal range for ESRD patients.
• 1. Under direction of the RN, instructs patients on care of fistula and open wounds; and reinforces treatment care with patients
• 1. Monitors vital signs; weight, intake and output before, during and after treatments on dialysis flowsheet
• 1. Measures , calculates and adjust blood flow and fluid removal rates
• 1. Obtain blood samples and culture specimens as ordered
• 1. Disinfect dialysis supplies and sanitize equipment
• 1. Monitors patients, equipment , responding to alarms and adjusting treatment
• 1. Responds appropriately to dialysis related emergencies
• 1. Communicates emotional, medical, psychosocial, and nutritional concerns to the registered nurse and working with them to ensure patient needs are met
• 1. Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the department/unit.
• 1. Meets performance expectations for YNHHS Standards of Professional Behavior and CHAMP Behaviors.
• 1. Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-269a provides that certified dialysis patient care technicians employed in an outpatient or hospital dialysis unit may administer saline, heparin or lidocaine as necessary to initiate or terminate a patient's dialysis provided the ratio of on-duty staff providing direct patient care to dialysis patients shall be at least three to nine, and at least one of the three on-duty direct patient care staff persons shall be a registered nurse licensed to practice in this state. "Certified dialysis patient care technician" means a person who has obtained certification as a dialysis patient care technician by an organization approved by the Department of Public Health.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent. Certification or qualified to be certified. PCA experience preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Two years Dialysis experience preferred (either acute or chronic)

LICENSURE

Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission ( NNCC) ; Certified Clinical dialysis Technician ( CCHT); Certified Hemodialysis Technician offered by the Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology ( BONENT) within 18 months of being hired as a dialysis technician

SPECIAL SKILLS

Unit specific orientation required. Current CPR or within 6 months.