Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) GS-08 Duties

Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments under the direction of the RN based on the patient's medical condition.

Monitors and reports pretreatment dialysis parameters, temperature, vital signs, weight gain, and health of access (fistula, graft, permcath) to the RN before initiation.

Collects and records vital signs using a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, scale and thermometer.

Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.) and determines proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments.

Assembles all necessary supplies and equipment at chair side.

Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site.

Cleans and dresses site using aseptic and/or sterile technique.

Selects appropriate instruments and techniques and troubleshoots complex equipment.

Validates two patient identifiers before initiation of treatment.

Connects patient to the dialyzer (using venipuncture, permcath) and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis.

Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machine to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit using a standard aseptic procedure.

Operates and monitors dialysis machinery in performance of dialysis procedures using prescribed standard procedures and the machine monitoring system.

Establishes amount of fluid to be removed and sets the machine pressure per the coefficient of ultrafiltration of the dialyzer.

Adjusts blood flow rates.

Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests.

Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques.

Preprocesses lab samples in centrifuge and delivers to the lab.

Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records.

Assesses and records the results of dialysis treatment, and reports to the dialysis team.

Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN, MD or PA.

Cannulates hemodialysis fistula or graft for dialysis or initiates treatment using a Permcath.

Initiates pause therapy and recirculation of dialysis system for other patient assisted needs.

Administers saline intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated or due to patient conditions.

Observes dialysis machine for correct functions during dialysis and adjusts when necessary.

Responds to equipment alarms, adjusts alarm limits, and corrects the cause of malfunction which triggered the alarm.

Observes for and/or tests for blood leaks.

Administers oxygen therapy, e.g., nasal cannula or mask when necessary.

Administers heparin, saline or lidocaine per Medical center UAP protocol.

Returns blood to patient upon termination of dialysis.

Recognizes when emergency measures are necessary and institutes life saving measures until medical assistance is secured.

Initiates or assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures using an Ambu bag, cardiac monitor, and oxygen equipment.

Work Schedule: 10-Hour shifts (6:00am-4:30pm; 6:30am-5:00pm; or 7:00am-5:30pm) 4 days a week (Monday-Saturday)

Compressed/Flexible: Yes

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 00000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized