Certified Dialysis Technician

Job Summary:            

The Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) provides direct patient care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. Care includes taking and monitoring patient vital signs, performing blood tests, documenting appropriate patient information, preparing and monitoring dialysis equipment, and cleaning equipment.

Education, Training and Licenses Required:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. certificate, or equivalent
• California Department of Public Health CHT certification
• Current CPR certification
• Must be able to discern colors, as well as perform a color vision test.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives patient into treatment/exam area and performs patient data collection; documents on approved flow sheets
• Monitors and documents status of vascular accesses using proper cannulation techniques in accordance with state, federal, and local regulations
• Documents patient observations and seeks guidance when levels are out of normal range for hospitalized dialysis patients
• Reports patient parameters to registered nurse as needed
  • Monitors and documents approved flow sheet the patient vital signs applicable to critically ill patients, administers fluid therapy or other appropriate treatments as directed, documents activities appropriately per SSH policy and/or state regulations
  • Observes Acute Facility policies and procedures for infection control and safety
  • Obtains blood samples per hospital policy and procedure and appropriately sends them to the lab
  • Sets up and monitors dialysis machines and reverse osmosis (“RO”) water system for correct functioning, respond to visual and audible alarms and make appropriate adjustments before, during and after the dialysis treatment, perform safety checks as directed by the registered nurse prior to, during and following dialysis treatment
  • Prime dialyzers, obtains dialysate, and monitor the delivery system during treatments using all alarm systems, settings, and appropriate tests
• Communicates estimated time of patient treatment with RN and confirm assigned patient’s consent for treatment, treatment orders, presences and patency of vascular access, overall patient condition, and patient availability in advance
  • Performs the hemodialysis treatment according to SSH and the local center’s policies and procedures
  • Verifies accurate charges and documentation are entered into CPSI
  • Notifies the Dialysis Manager of inventory and equipment needs
  • Reviews dialysis prescription, notes general physical and mental condition of patient through observation and interview, documents observations
  • Performs job responsibilities in one (1) other modality than hemodialysis upon successful completion of required modality specific training as allowed per state regulations
  • Adheres to all infection control procedures and understands the consequences associated with failing to follow those procedures:
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Follows all clean/dirty procedures in order to eliminate cross-contamination
• Performs cannulation using aseptic technique for needle insertion and all other         required procedures
• Disinfects machines, station area, and chairs after each patient treatment
• Maintains a neat and clean environment
  • Performs thorough patient data collection and documentation of patient information prior to, during, and post dialysis, per scope of practice. Provides detailed and thorough documentation on treatment sheets and medical records, both manual and electronic
  • Provides reinforcement of education given to patients and their caregivers to increase their understanding of the disease and its treatment
  • Prepares dialyzer according to procedure during prime and set up; removes dialyzer at end of treatment, preparing it for reuse procedures per MD orders
  • Responsible for ensuring all safety checks are completed prior to initiation of treatment
  • Responds to emergencies and alarms appropriately
  • Participates in CPR as needed and as directed
  • Participates in initial/annual clinical and technical competencies evaluations as appropriate
  • Develops and/or participates in in-service education programs; attends and participates in staff meetings
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Experience Required: 

• Six (6) months of active hemodialysis patient care experience as a certified hemodialysis technician.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Initiative in organizing work and completing assignments.
• Cooperates with staff to maintain well organized department.
• Professional decorum at all times.
• Willing to accept direction from supervisor.
• Maintains tactful and cheerful relationship with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Must speak, read, write, and comprehend English.
• Must respect patient confidentiality.
• Math knowledge including basic algebra and ability to adjust drug dosages.
• Participates in in-service education programs.
• Cardiac rhythm recognition required.  

Equipment Knowledge Required:

• Ability to learn function of machines utilized in patient care, various traction equipment and drainage tubes.
• Ability to assist MD/RN with procedures.

It is the policy of Sonoma Specialty Hospital not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.