Hemodialysis Technician

Job Summary

Performing assigned patient care activities under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines set forth by federal, state and local regulations. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, this position will provide skilled technical services for Renal Disease patients undergoing dialysis.

Essential Functions

• The Hemodialysis technician assures effective and efficient service and responds to the licensed caregiver's direction any time the treatment varies from normal parameters, or the patient's condition becomes unstable.
• Sets up and operates hemodialysis machine to provide dialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure: Attaches dialyzer and tubing to machine to assemble for use.
• Mixes dialysate, according to formula. Primes dialyzer with saline or heparinized solution to prepare machine for use.
• Transports patient to dialysis room and positions patient on lounge chair at hemodialysis machine.
• Takes and records patient's predialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate.
• Explains dialysis procedure and operation of hemodialysis machine to patient before treatment to allay anxieties.
• Cleans area of access (fistula, graft, or catheter), 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 (proportion of chemicals to water), 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.
• Takes and records patient's postdialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate. May fabricate parts, such as cannulas, tubing, catheters, connectors, and fittings.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions

Requires full range of motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Requires standing and walking for extended periods. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours.

Physical Requirements:

Job requires frequent standing and walking. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds occurs with varied frequency

Minimum Education/Certifications
High School Diploma or equivalent

Current certification as a Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) granted by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission; OR Current certification as a Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) granted by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology; OR Current certification as a Clinical Nephrology Technologist (CCNT) granted by the National Nephrology Certification Organization.

BLS certification

Minimum Work Experience
Must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a Dialysis Technician.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Must be willing to work holidays, weekends and provide additional coverage as needed