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Position Summary

Dialysis Technicians will work as the agent of the Physicians and will carry out Standing Dialysis Treatment Orders, prescribed by the Physician. Technicians will report and be responsible to the Physician, Head Nurse and/or Charge Nurse.

Responsible To:

Physicians, Medical Director, Administrator, Head Nurse, Charge Nurse and Chief Dialysis Technician, if applicable.

Positions Supervised

None.

Patient Care Duties

The Dialysis Technician will gather data to aid the Health Care Provider (Physician or Nurse) in assessing the patient's health and well-being prior to, during and after the dialysis treatment. The Dialysis Technician will note the patient's appearance, state of mind, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, presence of edema and lung sounds.

The Dialysis Technician will report any abnormal findings to the Charge Nurse and/or Physician. These include but may not be limited to:

• Elevated temperature, over 100° F, prior, during or post dialysis
• Weight gain of over 10 pounds
• Weight loss between dialysis treatments
• Systolic blood pressure over 200 mm/Hg
• Diastolic blood pressure over 100 mm/Hg
• Pulse over 100 beats per minute
• Pulse lower than 60 beats per minute
• Evidence of patient bleeding/blood loss
• Chest pain
• Redness, tenderness or swelling of access
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Evidence of any infection
• Report of patient falling
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred Vision
• Altered mental status
• Any other atypical sign or concern that patient or technician may have
• Shortness of breath

Additional duties:

• Draws blood work that is ordered when necessary from arterial and venous blood lines.
• Initiates Dialysis Treatment giving the patient Normal Saline prime, unless indicated otherwise by Charge Nurse.
• Calculates safe patient weight loss and confers with the Charge Nurse for weight loss over 10 pounds.
• Monitors patient's condition prior to, during and after the Dialysis Treatment. This includes monitoring and maintaining patient's access and blood line connectors uncovered at all times during the dialysis treatment. Monitors and records blood pressures and other dialysis parameters every 30 minutes or more often as the patient's condition warrants.
• Administers Heparin via A-V fistula or graft, lidocaine subcutaneously and 200 mL Normal Saline bolus if patient's blood pressure drops or if patient becomes symptomatic. Confers with Charge Nurse and/or Physician if patient has an untoward event during dialysis.
• Terminates patient's treatment per procedure, administering Normal Saline on rinseback.
• Removes patient needles and assures proper blotting of access. Bandages access according to proper technique.
• Helps prepare for the initiation and termination of the Dialysis Treatment utilizing catheter access.
• Monitors patient's demeanor and state of mind and informs the Social Worker of any potential problems with patient, for example, housing problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.
• Keeps Dialysis equipment under constant observation during treatments and evaluates that equipment is operating properly and optimally. Reports all equipment malfunctions to the Charge Nurse and/or Chief Technician.
• Acknowledges patient requests and feelings. Shows respect for patients, family, visitors and co workers.
• Adheres to and enforces all Kidney Institute of the Desert Policy and Procedures.
• Follows all Policy and Procedures regarding Infection Control and Safety.

Unit Duties

• Develops a good working knowledge of all equipment used in the Dialysis Unit. Can start RO system, gather and log all necessary information, as necessary. Reports any malfunction of equipment to Charge Nurse and/or Chief Technician.
• Sets up equipment, machines and primes dialyzers in accordance with Kidney Institute of the Desert Policy and Procedures.
• Cleans and disinfects dialysis equipment when required in accordance with Kidney Institute of the Desert Policy and Procedures.
• Keeps unit and dialysis areas clean and tidy, noise level at an acceptable level.
• Performs all other tasks as requested, within the scope of the Technician's ability.

Professional Qualities

• Seeks assistance from the appropriate resource person when necessary.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and inservices. Takes advantage of outside educational opportunities.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adapts to change caused by procedural changes, emergencies, patient census and staffing adjustments.
• Communicates in writing and verbally in an effective manner with Physicians, Nurses and co workers.
• Adheres to proper Kidney Institute dress code.
• Reports for work promptly at scheduled time and maintains a good attendance record.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates understanding of Hemodialysis theory, methods and care of the Renal Failure Patient on Hemodialysis.
• Is certified or in the process of being certified as a Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) by the State of California and National Certification Current CPR Certification.

Education and Training Experience

• Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferably has experience or educated in healthcare related field.
• Has received job training as a Dialysis Technician and is State and Nationally certified or in the process of being certified by the State of California.