Patient Care Tech - Dialysis

The Hemodialysis Technician sets-ups and operates the hemodialysis machines and related equipment to provide limited chronic dialysis treatment for the ESRD patient

Position Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Receive patient into treatment area; weigh patient, take temperature and blood pressure pre and post dialysis. Document on all dialysis flow sheets. Advise Charge Nurse if there is any change in patients’ physical or mental well-being.
• Perform and record patient observations: vitals signs and all other parameters of ESRD patients, obtain blood/culture specimens per PCD policies and procedures.
• Review dialysis orders, notes general physical and mental condition of patient to determine compliance of dietary or medical regimen.
• Provides chronic hemodialysis therapy; recommends a dialysis plan for ultrafiltration to RN, initiate dialysis via approved accesses, observe all safety measures, monitor patient vital signs throughout treatment, administer fluid therapy or other appropriate treatments as directed, document activity.
• Collect patient data: monitors and document status of vascular accesses, reviews lab work, and seeks guidance when levels are out of “normal” range for ESRD patients.
• Perform the following only under the direction of an RN:
• Instruct patients in the care of fistulas, and other open wound.
• Review physician orders, and reinforce treatment care with patient
• Administer patient quality care in a considerate and respectful manner.

EQUIPMENT CARE:

• Set up and monitor dialysis machines and systems; observe dialysis machines and RO water system for correct functioning; respond to visual and audible alarms and make appropriate adjustments, pre, post and during dialysis treatment.
• Be able to dismantle, clean and disinfect dialysis machines and equipment according to PCD’ Policies and Procedures.
• Understand all duties related to the use of medical/dialysis equipment, chemicals, rinses, priming dialyzers, attachment and installation of all required tubing, positioning of dialyzer, preparation of dialysate delivery systems for dialysis, dialyzer connection and all pumps, alarm checks, monitor settings, and dialyzer tests.

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

• Able to recognize and respond to patient medical emergencies. Reports to Charge Nurse who in turn will follow up with additional care to resolve the problem.
• Has the ability to follow policy in dealing with difficult/abusive patients. Knows to report problem to Charge Nurse who in turn contravene to resolve problem.
• Demonstrate ability to transfer patients from one location to another as needed. This includes, but is not limited to transfer to/from treatment chair to wheelchair, treatment chair to floor, or treatment chair to stretcher.
• Is able to demonstrate compliance with Biohazard Waste and Infection Control procedures per OSHA and Center for Disease Regulations.
• Follow the regulations for compliance with lab drawing policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be a high school graduate or earned a G.E.D.
• One (1) year minimum Patient Care experience in one of the following
  • Nurse assistant
  • Phlebotomy
  • EMT/paramedic
  • Medical Assistant
  • Reuse Technician
• Current CPR as outlined to the American Heart Association.
• Have ability to remain on feet for extended periods of times.
• Have ability to transfer up to 50 pounds from one location to another.
• Certification if required by State Law.