Clinical Technician, Dialysis

Job Description

Job Description

Duties:
General Summary:
Under supervision of nursing staff, is responsible for the monitoring and direct care of patients on hemodialysis. Monitors patients on an ongoing basis and communicates information to appropriate team member. Works as a member of the interdisciplinary team caring for the dialysis patient.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Monitors patients on an ongoing basis and communicates information to appropriate team member.
Under supervision of nursing staff, is responsible for the monitoring and direct care of patients on hemodialysis.
Responds in emergency situations.
Reinforces education to patients.
Documents patient care and observations (e.g. flow sheets, AMAs, incident reports).
Follows operational activities specific to assigned unit, (e.g. call-in times, breaks).
Treats patients and families with respect and dignity.
Reports to work in designated attire, (i.e. ID badge, lab coat, is neat, and maintains proper hygiene).
Communicates with other departments, agencies or service organizations.
Functions as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrates ability to plan work activities.
Carries out doctors\' orders within parameters of role.
Follows infection control policies and procedures (eg, hand washing, face shield and gloves).
Responsible for helping minimize waste in assigned unit.
In conjunction with team members, monitors and adjusts dialysis therapy within scope of practice to meet the needs of the patient (keeping in mind the age-specific needs of the population served).
Serves as a resource referral for the patient.
Demonstrates problem-solving methodologies for the benefit of the patients/significant others and the patient care area. Does so within scope of authority.
Maintains neat and safe work area.
Demonstrates technical and task-oriented skills (e.g., cannulation, machine set-ups and disinfection).

Under the delegation of the Medical Director and under nursing supervision:
Administer normal saline solution via the extracorporeal system.
Administer per initiation of hemodialysis procedure 2% xylocaine intradermally if ordered by the physician.
Administer via the extracorporeal system and/or via the cannulated access site the anticoagulant heparin or saline in the dose prescribed by the physician and monitored by the nursing staff.
Instill the anticoagulant (heparin, normal saline or 4% sodium citrate) as ordered by the physician at discontinuation of dialysis treatment into each catheter port.
Per policy the volume equals the fill volume on catheter limbs.
Performs blood drawing procedures

May be required to take on-call in acute settings.

Skills:
Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the company Customer Service Policy and summarized below:
Communication
Ownership
Understanding
Motivation
Sensitivity
Excellence
Teamwork
Respect

Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.

Must possess the following personal qualities:
Be self-directed
Be flexible and committed to the team concept
Demonstrate teamwork, initiative and willingness to learn
Be open to new learning experiences
Accepts and respects diversity without judgment
Demonstrates customer service values

Working Conditions:
Stands and walks most of the time on duty.
Lifts and pushes patients on stretchers and in wheelchairs.
Lifts and carries dialysate solution containers.
May be subject to hazardous wastes and materials.
Bending and stretching.
Uses computer.
Must pass Color vision test.
Ability to respond to audible alarms is required.\'
Demonstrates willingness and ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment.
Demonstrates willingness and ability to effectively relate in an organizationally acceptable manner to team members, patients, and other customers in a diverse environment
Demonstrates a caring and compassionate manner toward the patients and their family members that are a part of the dialysis program.
Completes all required and assigned in-services and online education and demonstrates incorporation of the teaching/learning as appropriate to position.
Acts in a manner that demonstrates commitment to the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives of the dialysis program.
Adheres rigorously to all infection control/infection prevention requirements.
Behaves in a manner designed to contribute to a neat, clean, safe, compliant environment and appropriately speaks up as needed regarding any potential concerns.
Applies process-improvement principles to daily work and work area.
Adheres to confidentiality and HIPAA safety and privacy requirements.
Demonstrates acceptance of working in a continuous learning environment; actively participate in own learning, seek to contribute to team and program learning as appropriate to position.
Communicates effectively with supervisor, other charge personnel, and team members, including medical leadership as appropriate to position. Accepts constructive criticism professionally.
Demonstrates team member standards and adheres to diversity principles and expectations including deaf and hard of hearing guidelines.
Performs other duties as assigned

Education:
High School Diploma required. Associates Degree in science preferred.
Previous dialysis experience preferred.
Dialysis clinical technician certification required. For newly employed patient care technicians, certification is required within 18 months of being hired as a dialysis patient care technician. Dialysis clinical technician certification must be maintained in accordance with federal regulations and in accordance with the policies of the CMS approved national commercially available certification programs. If a patient care technician who is not certified changes jobs from one dialysis facility to another, the time he/she was employed in the first facility will count toward the 18-month deadline for certification unless he/she had a gap in employment as a patient care technician of more than 18 months.

Languages:
English Read Write Speak

Certifications & Licenses:
Dialysis clinical technician certification