Dialysis Technician, Kern County, Day Shift, Per Diem

Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley has been providing high-quality healthcare services since 1934. We are comprised of a 25-bed hospital, wide range of outpatient services, emergency department, rural health clinics and medical offices.

Tehachapi is located just north of Southern California's highly populated areas, with a mountain locale known for its outdoor living. Residents enjoy the scenic beauty, extreme sports and wildlife. Tehachapi is a nice balance of a small-town community within an epicenter of shopping, retail, arts and culture.

Job Summary:

Assumes responsibility for operating and maintaining dialysis equipment and assisting patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Provides care and support to patients with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease who require regular dialysis treatment to remove waste and excess fluids from their blood.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records, including vital signs, dialysis parameters, laboratory results, and medication administration. Ensure proper documentation of any observed changes in patient condition, adverse events, or complications during dialysis treatments.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

• High School Education/GED or equivalent: Required

• Associate's/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Preferred

• Completion of a dialysis technician training program: Preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT): Required

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT): Preferred

Facility Specific License/Certifications:

• Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CH): Required

Essential Functions:

• Operates and maintains dialysis machines and equipment, ensuring they are functioning properly and calibrated accurately. Sets up, monitors, and adjusts various parameters during dialysis treatments, such as blood flow rates, dialysate composition, and ultrafiltration rates.
  
  Assists patients in preparing for dialysis treatments, including obtaining vital signs, weight measurements, and reviewing medical histories. Monitors patients during dialysis, observing for any adverse reactions or complications. Provides emotional support and ensures patient comfort throughout the procedure.
  
  Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records, including vital signs, dialysis parameters, laboratory results, and medication administration. Ensures proper documentation of any observed changes in patient condition, adverse events, or complications during dialysis treatments.

• Prepares and sterilizes vascular access sites, such as arteriovenous fistulas or grafts, and catheters. Inserts and removes needles or catheters for dialysis procedures, following proper aseptic techniques and infection control protocols.
  
  Monitors vascular access sites for signs of complications or infections. Prepares and administers medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals, including anticoagulants during dialysis. Monitors fluid balance and adjusts fluid removal rates as needed to maintain patient stability. Collaborates with the healthcare team to ensure accurate documentation and medication reconciliation.

• Adheres to strict safety protocols and infection control standards, including proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and maintains a clean and sterile environment in the dialysis unit. Regularly inspects and maintains equipment, ensuring it meets safety requirements and is properly sanitized.
  
  Educates patients and their families about dialysis procedures, self-care techniques, and dietary restrictions. Provides information on the importance of adhering to treatment schedules and medication regimens. Addresses patient questions or concerns and offers guidance on managing dialysis-related complications or side effects.

• Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to patients. Communicates effectively with patients and their families, ensuring they understand their treatment plan, progress, and any necessary follow-up care.

• Participates in quality assurance and performance improvement activities within the dialysis unit. Follows established protocols and guidelines to ensure high-quality care and optimal patient outcomes. Stays updated with advances in dialysis technology and procedures through continuous education and professional development.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.