What are the responsibilities and job description for the CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - PRN position at Titus Regional Medical Center?
Job: CCHT/Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Job Category: 3 Technicians
Position Summary
Experienced dialysis technician that functions as part of the dialysis team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with the TRMC policy, procedures, and training and in compliance with the regulation set forth by the hospital, state, and federal agencies. The CCHT will be responsible for the set up and operation of dialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Help and support the hospital commitment to Quality Enhancement programs including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participate in the process of improvement activities.
Essential Functions
-Assists other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education
-Calls for patients when hemodialysis machine is ready for treatment from each floor
-Evaluates patient AV fistula or AV graft for patency, perform cannulation, and perform heparin administration
-Prepares, organizes, and utilizes supplies and equipment to prevent wastage
-Assures that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to the facility policy
-Obtains all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection
-Obtains necessary pre and post treatment vital signs, weight and pre and post vascular access evaluations
-Initiates dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders
-Evaluates intradialytic problems and notify the supervising licensed nurse
-Monitors patient response to dialysis therapy
-Obtains vital signs prior to end of dialysis treatment, prepare all necessary functions for the end of dialysis treatment including documentation
-Discontinues dialysis according to TRMC hospital policy and obtain standing and sitting blood pressure
-Obtains hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings
-Evaluates and notifies the supervising nurse prior to handoff to the hospital floor
-Documents pre and post dialysis weights and vital signs
-Responsible for ensuring safety alarms are enabled
-Documents accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters on the patient EMR
-Reports any significant changes and/or information related to patient treatment
-Observes patients and conducts machine safety checks according to TRMC policy. Report and change or unusual finding to the registered nurse or supervisor.
-Evaluates patient access during treatment including arterial and venous pressure monitors, provide appropriate intervention as needed, document and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor
-Uses appropriate safety measures including personal protective equipment as necessary
-Completes water testing on dialysis machines and as directed by TRMC policy and procedures
-Collaborates with the Supervisor and Education in helping quality standards through education regarding all ESRD regulatory and legal requirements and the practice of Quality Improvement
-Assists in the training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse
-Provides developmental support to applicable clinical and facility staff
-Participates in helping education programs for CCHT staff
-Follows TRMC policies and procedures, training program, including compliance with ethical practices
-Maintains environment integrity- all areas are safe and clean
-Cleans and disinfects dialysis machine, chair, equipment and surrounding dialysis areas according to policy and procedure
-Performs all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate
-Completes and documents ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities
-Documents all treatment data into the designated clinical application and accurate and timely manner
-Reviews/audits treatment sheet for completeness
-Prepares and prints lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens
-Collects, labels, and appropriately prepares and store lab samples according to TRMC policies and procedures
-Assists in infection control audits and collecting information
-Reinforces infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the registered nurse or supervisor
-Reinforces new hire employees adhere to infection control policy and procedure
Education
-Must have a valid and active CCHT license through the NNCC (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission) upon hire date.
-BLS (Basic Life Support) required upon hire date.
-Complete TRMC facility orientation and passing a written exam for hemodialysis care before able to perform hemodialysis
-Employees with no previous experience in direct patient care, minimum of 80 clocked hours of classroom education and 200 clocked hours of supervised clinical training is required. If employee has previous patient care experience can be shortened if competency with the required knowledge and skills is demonstrated but may not be less than 80 clocked hours of combined classroom education and clinical training
Experience
-Prefer minimum of 1 year dialysis experience
