Dialysis Technician - FT Days

Sanford Health•Sioux Falls, SD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs delegated nursing interventions for stable dialysis patients under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Responsibilities include initiating and monitoring dialysis treatments, discontinuing treatments, operating dialysis equipment, gathering and documenting patient information, and responding to alarms. The role requires knowledge of age-related patient care protocols and the ability to work with diverse client populations. The technician prepares dialysis equipment, performs safety tests, sets alarm limits, inspects access sites, performs cannulation, obtains blood samples, and adjusts treatment parameters as directed by the licensed nurse. They also administer specific medications, adhere to infection control practices, and demonstrate proficiency in computerized charting and other computer skills. Knowledge of water system components and testing is also required. Participation in the orientation and education of other dialysis technicians is expected.

Requirements

High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) is required.
Must possess or obtain certification as a Hemodialysis Technician from the National Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), or other approved certifying agency within 18 months of hire.
If working in North Dakota (ND) must be on the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) Registry through the Board of Nursing at the time employment begins.
If working in South Dakota (SD), must register as Unlicensed Dialysis Technician through the SD Board of Nursing once certification is received (within 18 months).
Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications.
Basic Life Support (BLS) is required through the American Heart.

Nice To Haves

One-year experience in a health care environment is preferred.
Dialysis experience preferred.
Knowledge of various equipment/supplies and its general use, medical terminology, and computer skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Initiation of dialysis
Monitoring patient during treatments
Discontinuing treatments
Proper operation of the dialysis equipment
Gathering and documenting pertinent patient information
Responding to alarms
Prepares dialysis equipment for patient treatment according to the dialysis prescription; this includes safety tests and setting alarm limits according to policy.
Inspect the access site and perform cannulation of the dialysis access to initiate the treatment.
Obtains blood samples via the dialysis lines or access site.
Adjusts blood flow rates and fluid removal rates according to policy.
Monitors and documents dialysis treatment parameters/vital signs and makes adjustments to treatment parameters, under the direction of the licensed nurse.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments.
Responds to dialysis related emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, under the direction of the licensed nurse.
Administers the medication considered part of the hemodialysis treatment to include: Heparin, local anesthetic via intradermal route, and Normal Saline.
Knowledge of and application of dialysis infection control practices that include, but not limited to; Use of personal protective equipment, disinfection of equipment and supplies, dialysis station sanitization, and isolation precautions.
Demonstrate proficiency in computerized charting, software applications, and other computer skills.
Knowledge of water system components, water system testing, and application of appropriate actions to take if monitoring parameters out of defined limits.
Participates in the orientation and education of dialysis technicians.