University of Utah Job Description
Job Summary
Initiates, monitors and discontinues dialysis or dialysis related treatments to patients with acute or chronic renal failure.
Qualifications
Six months of dialysis training in related academic and practical dialysis work or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) preferred; Certification with nationally recognized Dialysis Technician certification program within 18 months of hire; Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card or obtain one within one month of hire; demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.
One year direct patient care with a minimum of six months dialysis experience is preferred. While dialysis experience is preferred, on-the-job training can be provided to meet the six months requirement, but hourly rate will be adjusted accordingly.
This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Essential Functions
1. Provides dialysis treatments to all chronic in-center and in-hospital patients.2. Initiates, monitors and discontinues dialysis treatments. Charts appropriate information during the course of the dialysis treatment. 3. Follows set procedures and is familiar with common medical complications and technical problems.4. Evaluates the effectiveness of the dialysis regimen ordered and makes changes to meet patients’ needs within the parameters of the standing orders.5. Participates in unit in services and teaches patient care courses to home dialysis aides.6. Assumes responsibility for communicating with medical staff and carrying out orders.7. Assists the medical staff with research work.8. Maintains equipment and inventory of supplies.9. Monitors water quality in accordance with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standard.
Problem Solving
Dialysis technicians evaluate patient responses to dialysis treatments and provide treatment information to supervisors and physicians. Incumbents must have the necessary evaluative and physical assessment skills to know what and when to report if a patient has an unexpected response to therapy. Dialysis technicians must be able to utilize professional judgment to provide the appropriate intervention to the patient in accordance with policy and procedures and acceptable standard care practices.
Comments
The incumbent provides the dialysis treatments under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
The incumbent shares weekly 24 hr/day on-call duties with other technicians and nurses to provide necessary professional services for staff coverage, inpatient dialysis and emergency dialysis. During on-call hours this position is under the supervision of the Medical Director when dialyzing in the hospital.
The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Seldom: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids).
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
