Dialysis Technician

JOB SUMMARY SEIU LOCAL 73

LOCATION: JOHN H. STROGER, JR. HOSPITAL

SHIFT: M-F 3PM-11PM ALTERNATING WEEKENDS & ON CALL DUTIES

The Dialysis Technician is a hemodialysis trained professional who is a primary care giver for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. Under the direction of the Nurse Coordinator II, responsible for operating hemodialysis machines and equipment during treatments. This position is responsible for understanding the principles of dialysis, process of dialysis treatment, and how to respond to the physical and emotional needs of the patient receiving dialysis treatment.

Typical Duties

• Operates and maintains dialysis equipment for patients receiving dialysis treatment.

• Collects necessary supplies and materials to prepare for dialysis treatment.

• Prepares dialysis machine before starting dialysis treatment. Tests monitors and machine functions, including alarms, conductivity and temperature. Ensures machine is set and ready. Reports any issues or concerns to the nurse.

• Assembles and prepares dialysate, according to established protocol and prescribed dosage.

• Primes dialyzer with saline or heparinized solution to prepare machine for use.

• Transports patient to dialysis room and explains dialysis procedure and operation of hemodialysis machine to patient before treatment to allay anxieties.

• Takes and records patient's pre and post dialysis weight and vital signs. Monitors patient's condition and reports any signs of abnormalities to the nurse or physician.

• Ensures the patient record is documented according to Documents patient treatment including

• Cleans area of access, using antiseptic solution; connects hemodialysis machine to access in patient's forearm or catheter site to start blood circulating through dialyzer.

• Inspects equipment settings, including pressures, conductivity, and temperature to ensure conformance to safety standards.

• Starts blood flow pump at prescribed rate.

• Inspects venous and arterial pressures as registered on equipment to ensure pressures are within established limits.

• Calculates fluid removal or replacement to be achieved during dialysis procedure.

• Monitors patient for adverse reaction and hemodialysis machine for malfunction.

• Cleans and disinfects dialysis treatment equipment and treatment area after each use to support Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS) policies and procedures by maintaining a safe and clean working environment for patients and staff.

• Attaches dialyzer and tubing to the dialysis machine prior to next use.

• Maintains quality control water treatment system according to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

• Collects, labels, and stores laboratory samples required by the laboratory department.

• Assists with scheduling patients, answering phones and entering information into the systems.

• Assists with scheduling patients, answering phones and entering information into the systems.

• Monitors supply inventory and reorders as needed.

• Participates in meeting and in-services.

• Collaborates with staff to identify and meet patient education goals.

• Must be available for on-call rotations, including nights and weekends

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Nurse Coordinator II/ Nurse Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED (Must provide proof at time of interview)

• Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) by the Board of Nephrology Examiner Nursing and Technology (BONET) or National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) OR Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) (Must provide proof at time of interview)

• One (1) year of experience performing acute or chronic hemodialysis treatment is required

• Must be available for on-call rotations, including nights and weekends is required

• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (Must provide proof at time of interview)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of dialysis procedures, operating and maintaining dialysis equipment

• Knowledge of medical and surgical terminology

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups

• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking and conflict management/resolution skills

• Ability to perform accurate and reliable mathematical measurements

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged

• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

• Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

• Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.