Chronic Acute Dialysis Technician - Days

Memorial Hermann Health System

About The Position

The Chronic Acute Dialysis Technician provides limited hemodialysis treatment and related services to chronic kidney disease and acute dialysis patients in an acute or sub-acute facility. Under the direction of an RN or LVN, the technician performs advanced indirect and selected direct patient-care duties supporting the nursing process, along with related clerical functions. The role also performs Unit Clerk and phlebotomy duties and serves as a preceptor and resource to staff. The position performs assigned dialysis treatments and patient-care activities, prepares and monitors dialysis equipment and systems, checks water quality and safety, and cleans and disinfects equipment in accordance with Memorial Hermann guidelines. The technician contributes to safe, accurate, efficient care, communicates with ancillary departments, assists with supply orders and inventory, and supports professional development and department goals. This is a full-time day position scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Two days are 12-hour shifts and the other two are 8-hour shifts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in an acute dialysis or chronic dialysis facility or another related field.
Two years of experience as a Dialysis Patient Care Technician in a hospital or chronic dialysis facility.
Current CPR certification, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment.
Current Dialysis Technician Certification from one of the nationally approved certifying bodies: BONET, NNCC, or NNCO; approved by the Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Ability to understand written instructions and perform basic mathematical calculations.
Skills for the assigned acute dialysis specialty area, function, or procedures, including working knowledge of basic medical terminology and computer software.
Demonstrated ability to perform duties with increased responsibilities.
Ability to perform duties requiring prolonged standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting.
Commitment to the Partners-in-Caring process and Memorial Hermann’s values of innovation, accountability, empowerment, collaboration, compassion, and results.

Responsibilities

Perform indirect and direct chronic acute dialysis patient-care duties within the approved skills inventory and as directed by a physician, RN, or LVN.
Take patients’ temperature, pulse, and respirations (TPR) and blood pressure; monitor intake and output; and maintain related records.
Enter physician orders by computer and coordinate diagnostic testing schedules.
Assist patients with written teaching protocols, perform assigned acute dialysis treatments, prepare patients for meals and feed them, assist with personal care, and maintain an orderly dialysis area.
Serve as Unit Clerk and/or monitor patients as assigned, and perform phlebotomy duties.
Prime dialyzers, obtain dialysate solution, and monitor the delivery system during treatment using alarms, settings, and appropriate tests.
Set up and monitor dialysis equipment and systems; check equipment and the RO water system for proper function; respond to visual and audible alarms; and make appropriate adjustments before, during, and after treatment.
Perform water-quality and safety checks and dismantle, clean, and disinfect equipment according to Memorial Hermann Hospital Chronic Acute Dialysis Guidelines.
Communicate with ancillary departments to support services for chronic acute dialysis patients.
Assist with ordering supplies and maintaining inventory.
Provide safe care in accordance with policies, procedures, and standards, including time and supply management, productivity, accuracy, and quality of service.
Meet mandatory and continuing education and skills-competency requirements; support department goals; and serve as a preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.