Clinical Dialysis Tech II

Dialysis Technician

Perform under the direct supervision of the dialysis professional nurse and in accordance with UPMC/unit policies and procedures. Prepare, operate and maintain equipment used for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and water treatment. Initiate and discontinue hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments, monitor the patient and equipment during the dialysis treatment, and perform other select dialysis related procedures. Maintains inventory and reorder supplies. Provides coverage in the absence of the Lead Dialysis Technician.

Responsibilities:

• May assist with line insertions and other select procedures as needed Follow procedures for standard precautions and hazardous substances. Perform unit testing/monitoring of equipment and records results. Perform routine safety and maintenance procedures on water treatment systems to maintain water quality according to AMMI standards. Identify equipment malfunctions, pull equipment from service, inform the bioengineering technician, and facilitates repairs.
• Obtain and collaborate with the manager seeking approval for outside medical supply ordering in eprocurement database, maintaining established levels of supplies and supporting cost containment. Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies. Establish respectful interpersonal relationships. Respond to emergent situations and initiate actions within scope of duties. Contribute to the universal activities of the unit, including but not limited to, respond to machine alarms, answer call lights, answer the telephone, pass/pick up meal trays and assist with patient care activities.
• Assist the professional nurse in the nursing care of patients by safely and complete performing assigned and/or designated activities. Report all changes in condition or behavior to the professional nurse. Maintain accurate unit communication and assists with select clerical functions. Strictly adhere to all policies relative to patient care and hospital related information. Utilize hospital information systems.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Perform machine breakdown, cleaning, and sterilization. Set up peritoneal dialysis machine and primes tubing. May initiate and discontinues peritoneal dialysis treatments per established procedure after completion of peritoneal dialysis training. Monitor the patient and equipment during the peritoneal dialysis procedure, respond to machine alarms, and problem solves as necessary. May perform daily peritoneal dialysis exit site care, sterile peritoneal dialysis tubing changes, and obtains fluid samples after completion of peritoneal training.
• Participate in self-review and the development of goals for the coming year. Orients new technicians and/or nurses. Serve as a role model and mentor for staff including organizational ethics and professionalism. Serves as the successor for the lead dialysis technician
• Provide patient care under the direction of the registered nurse. Follows all recommended precaution and isolation procedures Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints. Apply monitor leads and places patient on monitor. Place patient on prescribed oxygen therapy and obtains pulse oximeter reading.
• Follow unit protocol regarding the set-up of the portable reverse osmosis unit. Set up hemodialysis machines and primes dialyzer and blood tubing. Initiate and discontinue hemodialysis treatments per established procedure. Monitor the patient and equipment during the hemodialysis procedure, respond to machine alarms, and problem solves as necessary. Obtain blood work from AV fistulas, AV grafts, and double lumen dialysis catheters.
• Constructively receive feedback and direction from charge personnel. Identify and communicate learning needs to appropriate supervisory personnel. Serve as a resource for all staff on the operation and maintenance of dialysis equipment. Take action to improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and/or self identified developmental needs.
• Perform work in a timely and productive manner. Maintain ample stock of supplies within patient care areas/unit. Assist in maintaining unit cleanliness and order. Know and practice procedures related to hazardous waste disposal and chemical usage. Set up, operate and maintain equipment used for hemodialysis Prepare, monitor, clean, sterilize and dispose of dialysis equipment in order to provide safe and optimum patient care
• Support the exemplary service goal of the UPMC by contributing to patient satisfaction and maintaining patient rights. Suggest and support changes within the organization by responding and contributing to written and oral communication. Assume responsibility for complex assignments and views problems as challenges. Demonstrate awareness of the impact of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department/organization. Provide instruction to patients and families under the direction of the RN. Orients new technicians and/or nurses. Serve as a role model and mentor for staff including organizational ethics and professionalism

High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of 18 months experience as a dialysis technician Successful completion of the UPMC clinical dialysis technician training program is required. Arrhythmia training preferred Basic computer experience required. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to work with technical equipment. Ability to set up, operate, problem solve, and disinfect equipment used for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and water treatment. Ability to perform complex patient care procedures utilizing sterile technique.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Dialysis Technician certification required
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Certified Hemodialysis Technician
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran