Clinical Dialysis Technician I

Join our team as a Full-Time Clinical Dialysis Technician I!

This position will work four 10-hour shifts Monday through Friday. No weekends, some holiday shifts required.

Perform under the direct supervision of the dialysis professional nurse and in accordance with UPMC/unit policies and procedures. Prepare, operate and maintain equipment used for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and water treatment. Initiate and discontinue hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments, monitor the patient and equipment during the dialysis treatment, and perform other select dialysis related procedures. Assist the physician with line placements and renal biopsies. Maintain inventory and reorder supplies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist the professional nurse in the nursing care of patients by safely and complete performing assigned and/or designated activities.
• Report all changes in condition or behavior to the professional nurse.
• Maintain accurate unit communication and assists with select clerical functions.
• Strictly adhere to all policies relative to patient care and hospital related information. Utilize hospital information systems.
• Perform routine safety and maintenance procedures on water treatment systems to maintain water quality according to AMMI standards.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, pull equipment from service, inform the bioengineering technician, and facilitates repairs.
• Maintain ample stock of supplies within patient care areas/unit.
• Assume responsibility for complex assignments and views problems as challenges.
• Demonstrate awareness of the impact of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department/organization.
• Provide instruction to patients and families under the direction of the RN.
• Perform machine breakdown, cleaning, and sterilization.
• Set up peritoneal dialysis machine and primes tubing.
• May initiate and discontinues peritoneal dialysis treatments per established procedure after completion of peritoneal dialysis training.
• Monitor the patient and equipment during the peritoneal dialysis procedure, respond to machine alarms, and problem solves as necessary.
• May perform daily peritoneal dialysis exit site care, sterile peritoneal dialysis tubing changes, and obtains fluid samples after completion of peritoneal training.
• May assist with line insertions and other select procedures as needed.
• Follow procedures for standard precautions and hazardous substances.

• Perform unit testing/monitoring of equipment and records results.

• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints.
• Apply monitor leads and places patient on monitor.

• Place patient on prescribed oxygen therapy and obtains pulse oximeter reading.

• Serve as a resource for staff on the operation and maintenance of dialysis equipment.

• Serve as a preceptor for new clinical renal dialysis technicians.

  Take action to improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and/or self-identified developmental needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous hospital or medical training (LPN, EMT, medical assistant, nursing assistant, etc.) required.
• Previous clinical dialysis technician experience preferred.
• Successful completion of the UPMC clinical dialysis technician training program is required.
• Ability to set up, operate, problem solve, and disinfect equipment used for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and water treatment.
• Ability to perform complex patient care procedures utilizing sterile technique.
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
• Dialysis Tech certification preferred.
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.

• Within 18 months of the CNA-DT issue date, must complete the National Certification exam for the CCHT (Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician) certification.

• Clearances with renewal
  • Act 31, 33, 34, & 73

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran