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DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN
Job Title: DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN
Job Code: 4054
FLSA: N
Job Level: B2
Revised Date: 06/27/2005
Supervisory Responsibility: No
General Description of the Job Class
The Dialysis Technician works closely with, and under the direct supervision of, registered nurses as an important member of the patient care team. The certified hemodialysis technician must understand the scientific principles of dialysis, the process of the dialysis treatment, and how to respond to the physical and emotional needs of people undergoing dialysis treatments.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
Assembles and prepares the dialysis extracorporeal circuit according to protocol and dialysis prescription.
Tests monitors and machine functions, including alarms, conductivity and temperature. verifies absence of residual sterilants.
Sets monitors and alarms according to unit and manufacturer protocols.
Obtains and documents pre-dialysis vital signs, weight, and temperature.
Inspects a patient's dialysis access, inserts needles, and initiates dialysis according to unit protocol and patient prescription.
Documents treatment parameters and communicates patient condition and issues to Registered Nurse.
Measures and adjusts blood flow rates according to established protocols and prescription.
Calculates and adjusts fluid removal rates according to established protocols and prescription.
Monitors patients and equipment, responds to alarms, and readjusts treatment parameters as defined by established protocols and individual patient requirements as directed by the registered nurse, physician order, or unit protocol.
Changes fluid removal rate and patient position, and administers replacement saline as directed by the registered nurse, physician order, or unit protocol.
Responds appropriately to dialysis-related emergencies such as hypotensive episodes, needle displacement or infiltration, clotting episodes, blood leaks, air emboli, etc. Initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Discontinues dialysis and establishes hemostasis following unit protocol. Inspects, cleans, and dresses access according to unit protocol.
Obtains and records post-dialysis vital signs, temperature, and weight.
Discards dialysis supplies and sanitizes equipment according to manufacturer and unit protocol.
Communicates emotional, medical, psychosocial, and nutritional concerns to the registered nurse.
Maintains professional conduct, good communication skills, and confidentiality in the care of patients. Participates in the multidisciplinary process.
Collaborates with the registered nurse in identifying and meeting patient education goals.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
High school diploma or equivalency.
Completion of Certified Dialysis Training Program.
Experience
Two years of current hemodialysis experience to acquire the principles of dialysis and water treatment systems required.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
National Certification in dialysis CCHT or CCHTA through the National Nurses Certification Commission or CHT (BONENT certified) through the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles of dialysis.
Knowledge of the dialysis process.
Knowledge of hemodialysis patient care.
Knowledge of the dialysis water purification system and water testing.
Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
N/A
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
