Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician

The CCHT/CHT will work under the direct supervision of the licensed professional nurse, to carry out technical and patient care treatment activities.   This individual performs a variety of patient care duties and operates a variety of equipment necessary in the care of dialysis patients.  This individual provides safe, effective, and compassionate care that is consistent with State and Federal regulations and Physicians Dialysis’ policies, procedures, and guidelines and within his/her scope of practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre-Treatment:

• Prepare clinic for opening shift (where applicable), conduct facility opening procedures such preparing water for treatment, turning on computers, phones, prepare waiting room, etc.
• Start up the Reverse Osmosis water system, completing required water quality monitoring tests, prior to initiation of dialysis.
• Prepare hemodialysis equipment per company policies prior to initiation of patient treatment: (set up and test equipment, priming machine, stringing machine with tubing, checking supplies and stock).
• Mix bicarbonate solution per policy and test solution prior to providing it to the dialysis machines. 

Treatment:

• Welcome patient and ready patient for treatment
• Collect data (blood pressure, conductivity, compare treatment orders to treatment being performed to ensure patient care) and enter data into the system.
• Assist in the movement of patients to treatment area and with weighing.
• Initiate and monitor patient treatment; may cannulate patient to begin treatment as directed by the licensed professional and as per State guidelines.
• Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse professionals, deliver ESRD specific care to assigned patients as prescribed, including all aspects of the hemodialysis procedure.
• Provide routine monitoring of treatment and respond to irregularities or emergencies
• Conduct focused observations of pre- and post-dialysis treatment
• Monitor key water quality parameters in the absence of the biomedical technician, to ensure safe patient treatment.
• Communicate effectively with the care team and patient.   Report patient issues as needed throughout the treatment day.

Discontinuation:

• Discontinue treatment as directed by the licensed professional and as per State guidelines.
• Document all activities related to the patient treatment on the hemodialysis flow sheet. 
• Clean the dialysis station (includes chair, machine and ancillary equipment) with the approved facility disinfectant.  Ready area for next patient.
• Stock supply carts/cabinets with the supplies necessary to complete the day’s treatments. 
• Disinfect treatment area according to facility policy and procedure between treatments.
• Prepare unit for close (where applicable) including stocking of stations, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and chairs, finalizing system updates and turning off computers, etc.
• Close unit at end of day and perform necessary closing procedures.
• Close water system as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Reinforce patient education provided by nursing staff
• Follow policies and CDC guidelines for infection control.
• Dispose of biohazards
• Help with the training of new staff members, when needed.
• Collect, prepare, and submit ordered patient lab specimens as directed. 
• Immediately report any unsafe condition to the charge nurse.
• Assigned daily tasks.
• Maintain a working knowledge of center water system and be able to complete assigned water treatment testing
• Assist with proper handling and storage of hazardous materials.
• Perform all duties in a professional and courteous manner.
• Participate in emergency evacuation procedures in the event of fire or disaster
• Maintain confidentiality of all company and patient records.  Adhere to HIPAA.
• Comply with all Company established policies and procedures at all times.
• Participate in all required meetings including staff, CQI, and educational meetings.
• Request assistance or advice from supervisor as needed
• May serve as preceptor as assigned
• Minimal travel required in this role.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Required License(s)/Certification(s):

• Certification as a Hemodialysis Technician is required.  Proof of a valid certificate is required.
• Must obtain BLS Certification within the first 60 days if not already certified.

Education/Experience/Qualification:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of clinical work required.  
• Prior proven experience and expertise in renal area relevant to patient.  
• Prior experience in a patient care setting, healthcare industry or comparable experience.
• Must have demonstrated record of and commitment to safety, and dedication to excellence.
• Must possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Must be able to communicate professionally and effectively with other staff members, patients, and physicians.
• Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.