Certified Dialysis Technician

At ScionHealth, we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.

Job Summary

• The Certified Dialysis Technician position provides acute hemodialysis treatment for hospitalized dialysis patients in licensed acute hospitals or sub-acute facilities. This position reports directly to the Dialysis Program Manager or Dialysis Supervisor for the respective facility

Essential Functions

• Receives patient into treatment and exam area and performs patient data collection
• Records vital signs and all other parameters of dialysis patients as per Kindred policy and/or state regulations
• Obtains monthly water culture specimens and prepares for shipment per hospital policy if applicable. Sets-up and monitors dialysis machines and reverse osmosis (RO) 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
• Primes dialyzers, obtains dialysate, and monitors the delivery system during treatments using all alarm systems, settings, and appropriate tests. Communicates with Nursing Supervisor or Dialysis Program Manager throughout the day to plan, confirm, coordinate, and organize assignments
• Communicates estimated time of patient treatment with Primary Nurse and other hospital staff
• Confirms assigned patient’s consent for treatment, treatment orders, presence and patency of vascular access, overall patient condition, and patient availability in advance
• Verifies accurate charges and documentation are submitted per Kindred policy and procedure
• Notifies the Material Management and Dialysis Program Manager of inventory and equipment needs
• Collects patient data, including but not limited to: *monitors and documents status of vascular accesses; * documents patient observations and seeks guidance from Dialysis RN when levels are out of normal range for hospitalized dialysis patients; * reports patient parameters to Dialysis RN as needed.
• Reviews dialysis prescription, notes general physical and mental condition of patient through observation and interview, documents observations
• Initiates dialysis via approved accesses using proper cannulation or central venous catheter (CVC) techniques in accordance with state, federal, and local regulations. Monitors patient vital signs applicable to critically ill patients, administers fluid therapy or other appropriate treatments as directed by Dialysis RN, documents activities appropriately with Dialysis RN oversight
• Performs job responsibilities in multiple modalities or functions upon successful completion of required modality specific training. Assists Dialysis Program Manager with and participates in facility initiatives
• Performs clerical duties as needed which may include filing, lab requisitions, scheduling appointments, answering phones, ordering supplies, billing, copying, faxing, data entry, maintaining patient charts
• Dismantles, cleans, and disinfects dialysis machines and equipment in accordance with Kindred policy and procedures; performs appropriate end of therapy terminal cleaning and disinfection of the dialysis equipment
• Notifies Biomedical Services Technician and Dialysis Program Manager/supervisor of any equipment malfunctions
• Observes Kindred policies and procedures for infection control and safety

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of the Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Process
• Demonstrated ability to assist with providing quality outcomes and tracking of metrics
• Demonstrated ability to provide treatments in a safe, therapeutic and cost-effective manner
• Must read, write and speak fluent English
• Must have good and regular attendance
• Approximate percent of time required to travel, 20%
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Licenses/Certifications

• Dialysis Technician Certification by CMS, approved state certification program, or a national commercially available certification program
• A current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) via American Heart Association
• BLS certification required

Experience

• Minimum of two years Certified Dialysis Technician work experience
• Phlebotomy skills preferred
• Basic computer skills and proficiency in MS Word and Outlook