Summary

1.0 FTE; 7am-5:30pm; 40 hours a week; Every other Saturday and holiday rotation which would require working a Sunday in order to be off the holiday for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day ;

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dialysis Support Technician assists with the delivery of patient care on the Renal Dialysis Unit by performing routine nursing procedures under the direct supervision and guidance of an RN. Patient care includes care to patients in the following age groups: pediatric (30 days through 12 years), adolescent (13 through 18 years), adult (19 through 64 years), and geriatric (65 years and above).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:

• Provides appropriate basic physical care to patients as designated/directed by the RN including taking vital signs and other procedures.

• Observes and reports unusual situations, reactions, effects, or conditions to appropriate person.  Demonstrates awareness of patients' potential need for dialysis interventions and knowledge and awareness of potential side effects from the dialysis procedure including prompt reporting of the observation to the RN.

• Perform appropriate Dialysis functions which may include the following, but not limited to:
  • Sets up the dialysis machine and attaches the dialyzer and the tubing to the machine to assemble for us.
  • May potentially mix dialysate according to formula.
  • Primes the dialyzer with appropriate solutions to prepare machine for use.
  • Transports patients to dialysis as appropriate and position patients appropriately.
  • Inspects equipment settings, including pressures, conductivity, and temperature to ensure conformance to safety standards.
  • Takes and records patients post dialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate and document appropriately.
  • Discard dialysis supplies and sanitizes equipment according to manufacturer and unit protocol.
  • Communicates emotional, medical, psychosocial, and nutritional concerns to the registered nurse.
  • Collaborates with the registered nurse in identifying and meeting patient education goals.

• Environment Management –
  • Completes cleaning tasks utilizing OSHA standards. Performs maintenance and/or inventory of equipment according to unit/department standards.
  • Practices standard precautions while handling contaminated items.
  • Maintains unit order and efficiency.
  • Maintains appearance of patient care areas and public areas.
  • Maintains safe work environment

• Supply Management/Clerical –
  • Orders and stocks supplies to meet the needs of the unit/department.
  • Demonstrates an awareness of cost containment practices.
  • Distributes supplies to appropriate areas according to unit/department standards.
  • Demonstrates computer skills necessary to perform unit/department specific responsibilities.
  • Depending on location may need to schedule patients and handle phone calls.

• Patient Care/Safety –
  • Documents accurately and timely, according to unit/department standards
  • Reports promptly unusual situations, reactions, effects or conditions related to patient care to the responsible person(s).
  • Assist patients with personal hygiene needs and/or provide activities of daily living, comfort measures including changing linen, providing safe environment for mobility and ambulation, and maintaining a clean and orderly patient environment. 
  • Safely assist in mobilizing, turning, and positioning of patients; including use of various assistive devices and mechanical lifts.
  • Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills when dealing with patients, family members and staff.
  • Functions as a patient advocate by resolving patient/family concerns through appropriate actions.
  • Assists with arrivals, acute set ups, transports, etc.
  • Answer patient call lights independently, promptly, and to the patient’s satisfaction; referring patient concerns to the RN or Nurse Manager. 
  • Provide close observation and care safely for patients who require 1:1 observation. 
  • Demonstrate proper responses to emergency situations.

• Code of Conduct/Professionalism –
  • Identifies learning needs and seeks available resources and opportunities.
  • Completes assignments within designated shift.
  • Responds promptly to requests for assistance.
  • Respects patient rights and maintains strict confidentiality. 
  • Communicates clearly, concisely and appropriately (verbal/written communications).
  • Assumes personal respon