The Dialysis Technician, under the supervision of the charge nurse, clinical manager, and/or director, is responsible for assisting in patient care, documentation and supply management. The Dialysis Technician position provides acute hemodialysis treatment for the hospitalized dialysis patient in the acute hospital setting.

This position will also work to keep the unit supplied, clean, and organized. S/he answers the telephone and answers any questions the patient or their support system may have within their capabilities. S/he follows all policies and procedures of Northern Arizona Healthcare. They will perform or assist with procedures that fall within the scope of practice of a dialysis technician. Call will be required for the Dialysis Technician.

Patient Care
* Addresses patient and family concerns, communicates issues and solutions through appropriate channels.

* Documents incidents, events, interventions, and patient/staff/physician responses.

* Serves as a patient advocate.

* Prioritizes and problem solves to meet changes in patient status/condition.

* Collaborates with physicians and other health care professionals to ensure staffing patterns meet appropriate skill mix necessary for quality patient care.

* Quickly and accurately assess patient care needs.

* Maintain compliance with Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

* Serves as a resource, assists other staff in caring for patients; able to assist physician with order entry into EMR.

* Receives patient into treatment/exam area and performs patient data collection.

* Monitors and documents status of vascular accesses using proper cannulation or central venous catheter techniques in accordance with state, federal, and local regulations.

* Documents patient observations and seeks guidance when levels are out of normal range for hospitalized dialysis patient.

* Reports patient parameters to registered nurse as needed.

* Obtains blood samples per hospital policy and procedure and appropriately sends them to the lab.

* Sets up and monitors dialysis machines and reverse osmosis water system for correct functioning, responds to visual and audible alarms and makes appropriate adjustments before, during and after the dialysis treatment, performs safety checks as directed by the registered nurse prior to, during and following dialysis treatment.

* Prime dialyzers, obtain dialysate, and monitor the delivery system during treatments using all alarm systems, settings, and appropriate tests.

* Dismantle, clean, and disinfect dialysis machines and equipment per policy and procedure.

* Perform appropriate end of therapy terminal cleaning and disinfection of the dialysis equipment.

 
Administrative
* Addresses workflow issues, ensures incidents are appropriately documented and corrective steps are taken.

* Demonstrates knowledge of NAH and department policies and procedures.

* Participates in process improvement initiatives utilizing organizational tools and resources.

* Assists in orientation and training of new PCT staff

* Works to ensure best practice among colleagues.

 
Compliance/Safety
* Responsible for reporting any safety related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employees area of responsibility.

* If required for position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.

* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job specific training in the specified time frame.

Education
High School Diploma or GED - Required

Graduate of a Nursing Assistant Program - Required

Dialysis Technician Certification by a CMS approved state certification program or a national commercially available certification program - Required

Certification & Licensures
Basic Life Support (BLS )- Required

Dialysis Technician Certification - Required

Current, unrestricted CNA or LNA license in the State of Arizona - Preferred

Employee will obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for the roles assigned by their departmental leader.

Experience
0 - 1 year minimum experience in chronic in-center dialysis - Required

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.