Certified Hemo Technician

Subject: Dialysis Technician

Position Summary:

Certified Hemodialysis technicians work under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurses. Technicians will carry out standing dialysis treatment orders from the Physicians and or Nurse Practitioner. Technicians will report to their assigned Registered Nurse or Charge Nurse for scheduling and compliance with personnel and other internal policies of the dialysis unit.

Responsible To:

Physicians, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurses

to include Charge Nurse, Clinical Coordinator and Nurse Manager.

Position Supervised: None

Principle Duties: Patient Care

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assess the patient as to appearance, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and general well being. Report any abnormal findings to the Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or Physician, to include the following: Elevated temperature, weight of over 4 kg, weight loss, systolic blood pressure over 160 diastolic blood pressure over 100, pulse over 100 or under 60, or any findings of a patient to have bleeding, chest pain, redness, tenderness or swelling of access, any findings of nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, infection, falls, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and shortness of breath.

Draws blood work that is ordered, when necessary, from arterial or venous blood line.

Initiates dialysis treatment following the standing orders for each individual patient.

Dialysis machine will calculate ultra filtration pressure required to obtain desire patient fluid loss based on ordered dry weight. Technician will Confer with Registered Nurse regarding normal saline replacement.

Monitors patient's condition during treatment. Records blood pressures, pulse, and subjective finding on data flow sheet and/or computer. Confer with R.N. and physician regarding patient care.


Maintains a clean, comfortable, safe environment for the patient.


Wear lab coat during all treatments.


Administers 150cc normal saline if patient's blood pressure drops or patient becomes symptomatic. Confers with Registered Nurse and/or physician.


Keeps dialysis equipment under constant observation during treatment and evaluates that equipment is operating properly. Reports all equipment malfunctions to machine technicians.


Terminates patients' treatments as per procedure, administering normal saline on rinse back.

Removes patient needles, assures proper clotting of access and bandages access according to proper technique.

Evaluates patient's condition, using vital signs, fluid status, access appearance and general condition.


Recording flow sheet data will only be used when dialysis machines are not able to allow documentation via computer system. The patient data sheet and filing the flow sheet in patient electronic chart.


Acknowledges patient request and patient feelings, shows respect for the patient and family.

Adheres to and enforces all policy and procedures as they pertain to Infection control and Safety.

Unit Duties:

A good working knowledge of equipment in the Dialysis unit, can start RO system and log machine functions. Reports any malfunctions to Registered nurse and or Machine Technicians.

Sets up equipment and primes Dialyzer in reference to unit procedures.

Cleans Dialysis equipment at the completion of each dialysis treatment.

Disinfects dialysis equipment according to established procedures.

Performs all other tasks as needed, e.g. stock shelves, drawers, cleans up work area assigned.

Professional Growth:

Seeks assistance from appropriate resource person when necessary.

Participates and attends staff meetings: in-service educational programs within the

Dialysis unit and outside seminars.

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, Registered Nurses and co-workers.

Professional Qualities:

Adheres to proper dialysis unit dress code.

Reports for work promptly at schedule time

Maintains a good attendance record.

Adapts to changes in scheduling and staffing.

Qualifications:

Demonstrates ability and competence as a Dialysis Technician and is certified by the state of California.

Current CPR certifications

Demonstrates understanding of Hemodialysis, theory, methods and care of dialysis patients.


Successfully passes State or Standardized National Certification Examination by April 2010.

Education and training experience:

Must possess a high school diploma

Preferably has experience in healthcare related field or educated in a health-related field.

Has received job training as a dialysis technician and is certified by the State of California and/or National Certification Examination.