Extra Help - Hemodialysis Technician - Dialysis

Position Summary

1. Under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Extra Help Hemodialysis Technician delivers patient care
   utilizing the Relationship-Based Care model as a framework.
2. The Hemodialysis Technician provides care and takes initiative to improve hemodialysis patient outcomes by supporting Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence in clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Hemodialysis Technician functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides patient care and fulfill Dialysis unit and UI Health organizational goals.
3. The primary function of this position is to give dialysis therapy to patients in renal failure.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Delivers and performs dialysis therapy including tasks involving patient care during the therapy such as monitoring the emotional, physical, physiological and chemical condition of the patient, ensuring the stability of the patient through proper techniques and recording the data on the hemodialysis flow sheet.
2. Discontinues treatment, gathers and provides reports of patients’ status to the appropriate service and/or in writing at the designated areas, all important information of the proceeding hemodialysis treatment.
3. Initiates treatment via venipuncture or by sterile connection of a double lumen catheter
4. Performs Point of Care testing as assigned. Measures and records vital signs, notifies RN of any abnormalities/changes. Obtains and records pre-treatment data from the patient, calculates the amount of weight to be removed and follows the complete Renal Physician’s dialysis prescription until the hemodialysis procedure has been completed.
5. Notifies the nurses of unusual changes in the patient’s condition. Reacts under emergency conditions to acute changes in the condition of the patient including possible cardiac arrest procedures
6. Participates in all training programs and dialysis rounds.
7. Complies with UI Health infection control guidelines and other Regulatory requirements
8. Other duties as assigned.
9. Introduces self to the patient and family, provides patients with assistance as needed
10. Orients patient to dialysis unit including explaining visiting hours, dialysis machine functions, use of television, and other pertinent unit policies (e.g. appointment times, no food and drink, etc.)
11. Safely operates patient care equipment such as Portable RO machines, Dialysis machines, glucometers, Hoyer lifts, weighing devices, and dialysis chairs
12. Sets up, operates, cleans and provides routine maintenance for the Hemodialysis machine.
13. Connects patients to the hemodialysis machines, which involves performing venipunctures and sterile handling of double lumen catheters
14. Assures the proper amounts of chemical levels in dialysate, which may vary according to the particular for each patient.
15. Monitors the patient during the operation of the hemodialysis machine and insuring the stability of the patient through various techniques. Responds to machine alarms and patient’s request for assistance
16. Records all significant clinical information of patients on appropriate medical record forms.
17. Provides feedback to RN/Renal Fellow/Renal Attending on patient care and reports any unusual changes in the patient’s condition
18. Reacts under emergency conditions to acute changes in the condition of the patient including the possible use of cardiac arrest procedures.
19. The incumbent maintains the ability to recognize needs, physical characteristics and behaviors of variety of age groups and special needs patients.
20. Reinforces patient teaching provided by Inter-disciplinary team (MD, nurse, dietitian, social worker)
21. Record any necessary data that applies to meeting federally regulated guidelines
22. Performs related duties as assigned.
23. Participates in organizational, departmental and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit goals in daily behavior
24. Demonstrates accountability for job performance by seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge.
25. Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health values through teamwork and effective communication in an effort to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment
26. Acts as a patient / family advocate by providing comfort, assistance and information.
27. Maintains conditions of employment (Certification in Dialysis: CCHT, CHT or CCNT, BLS and other required unit-specific requirements
28. Adheres to the UI Health’s Code of Conduct
29. Treats patients/families, staff, students and visitors with respect and dignity
30. Adheres to Nursing’s time, overtime and attendance policies
31. Completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned by UI Health by established date.
32. Complies with University Health Services TB and fit-testing requirements
33. Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems
34. Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or related unit problems and participates in problem solving and resolution.
35. Collaborates with other staff to identify, promote and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students
36. Serves as a resource to other nursing staff and students
37. Accesses Medical Center intranet/outlook for relevant communication and to review and interpret changes in policy, procedure and other information pertinent to practice
38. Supports nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted on the unit and at UI Health
39. Takes responsibility for continued professional growth/development by identification of learning needs and initiates strategies to meet such needs.