Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - (783) 

JOB SUMMARY: The Dialysis Technician (CCHT) is responsible for direct patient care. Direct patient care includes performance of basic hemodialysis techniques and procedures, daily patient care and observations under the direct supervision and guidance of a registered nurse. This position is responsible for assigned water testing. The Dialysis Tech will draw blood samples and prepare them for transport to the laboratory. This position is also responsible for required laboratory tests as well as quality control monitoring. The Dialysis Tech participates in quality improvement activities to maintain patient care standards. The technician reports to the Charge Nurse/Shift Leader and Department Manager as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct patient care including performing patient treatment from start to finish and handling daily operations between patient and dialysis machine.
• Responsible for basic water testing related tasks.
• Responds to machine alarms according to established procedures.
• Responds to emergency situations with appropriate treatment as directed by the RN.
• Assists in the patient discharge and transfer practices, as directed by the RN, including but not limited to, gathering patient belongings, and transporting patient to transportation vehicle, amongst others.
• Performs dialysis required laboratory procedures and quality control which include specimen collection, blood sugar testing, completion of the laboratory request form, and proper labeling of the specimen collected.
• Documents all care delivered to the patient accordingly to established protocols.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, including voluntary unit council activities and unit work groups.
• Supports patient advocacy, patient rights and responsibilities and service standards.
• Follows established safety and emergency policies and procedures in daily practice or emergency situations including handling of equipment and supplies during emergencies.
• Attends in-service programs provided by the Clinical Department and uses job-related guidance assistance from supervisor.
• Successfully completes annual competencies in vascular access cannulation, central line care, sterile central line dressing changes, phlebotomy, dialysis machine priming, blood glucose monitoring, and hemoglobin monitoring, as appropriate.
• Contributes to development of policies and procedures and standards for the technical aspects.
• Participates in the orientation and education of new dialysis technicians.
• Documents and communicates performance improvement opportunities as it relates to systems and equipment to meet the requirements of regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computerized charting, software applications, and other computer skills.

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS:

• Associate can deliver care/service appropriate to patients/customers.
• Demonstrates competence in technical skills performed.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and the ability to prioritize care needs.
• Complies with direction of RN for patient activity/care.
• Displays/exhibits self-directed growth by seeking educational opportunities to improve knowledge/skill.
• Contributes to implementing and supporting progressive change.
• Makes suggestions to solve patient care or unit problems.
• Identifies areas of quality improvement and offers suggestions/recommendations.
• Assists with orientation of new staff.
• Demonstrates acceptable attendance and punctuality per policy.
• Participates in quality improvement activities.
• Completes assigned responsibilities in an efficient, timely manner.
• Uses time not consumed by patient care to maintain the unit (cleaning, stocking, uncluttering, etc.).
• Utilizes unit supplies in a cost-conscious manner.
• Recognizes impact of actions on co-workers and other departments and interacts in a manner conducive to teamwork and cost containment.
• Treats staff from other departments, co-workers, patients, and families with respect.
• Verbally communicates directions, answers to questions, etc. in a timely manner to patients, families, visitors, physicians, staff members and other departments.
• Applies good guest relation techniques to telephone conversations.
• Communicates pertinent patient information clearly, accurately, concisely and in a timely manner to designated persons.
• Collaborates with other members of the health team regarding patient care needs and responsibilities.
• Directs concerns to appropriate persons within timeframes suitable to the situation.
• Utilizes appropriate chain of command.
• Practice is consistent with safety principles, OSHA guidelines, and infection control guidelines.
• Observes equipment for malfunction and takes appropriate action.
• Delivers patient care in a compassionate, non-judgemental manner that respects individuals' right to privacy, dignity, respect, and confidentiality at all times.
• Confronts individuals/situations assertively and non-aggressively when necessary to ensure the rights of patients, self and others are respected.
• Demonstrates effective conflict resolution skills thought the use of problem-solving skills, discretion, and respect.
• Readily helps families, visitors, patients/residents, and colleagues.
• Functions in a professional manner under stressful or emergency conditions.
• Utilizes effective verbal, non-verbal and written forms of communication.
• Conducts self in a manner consistent with the intent of the hospital's mission, vision, values, patient’s first behavioral commitment. L.O.V.E -living our values every day and Civility Statement.

MANDATORY LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

The following licenses/certifications are required:

CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one-year prior experience in medical setting
• Preferred experience as a Dialysis Technician, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, Surgical Tech, First Responder, EMT, ED Tech, LPN
• Mandatory Continuing Education: Annual dept. specific and hospital wide mandatories (Customer Service, Fire and Safety, Corporate Compliance, Infection Control, etc.), and education required by regulatory, accreditation bodies, scope of practice, and/or Hancock Regional Hospital.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• CMS recognized certification as a Dialysis Technician within 18 months of hire.