Certified Dialysis Technician

About the Role

Dialysis services are provided on the fourth floor of DCH Regional campus and the main floor at DCH Northport campus. The Regional campus operates Monday-Saturday from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with call coverage on Sundays and after hours. The Northport campus operates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with call coverage on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and after hours. The Regional unit has eight dialysis bays and offers bedside and peritoneal dialysis, while the Northport campus has five dialysis bays with similar capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and perform dialysis treatments on patients.
• Disinfect water systems and dialysis equipment.
• Collect and monitor environmental cultures.
• Maintain supplies, equipment, and an orderly environment.
• Set up, disassemble, clean, and disinfect hemodialysis machines.
• Monitor patient condition during treatment and provide direct care.
• Transport patients and function as Unit Secretary.
• Enter charges, order supplies, and maintain unit inventories.
• Prepare the dialysis schedule for the next day.
• Perform water system checks and chlorine checks every four hours.
• Initiate maintenance requests for repairs.
• Clean and stock treatment areas, supply rooms, and water rooms.
• Answer telephones, relay messages, and handle faxes.
• Maintain accurate records for supplies, equipment, cleaning, and disinfection.
• Cross-train as Medical/Surgical Unit Secretary and PCA.
• Enter patient data into the dialysis computer system.
• Assist in orienting new staff on disinfection processes, secretarial functions, and water system maintenance.
• Attend required meetings, inservices, competencies, and CBTs.
• Assist with patient care and monitoring under RN supervision.
• Provide direct care interventions such as feeding, bathing, vital signs, and transfers.
• Run errands necessary for patient care and unit functions.

Qualifications

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission.
• Ability to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Working Conditions

• Interact with diverse personalities, including handling conflict and verbally aggressive individuals.
• Work in a team and perform both structured and unstructured tasks.
• Meet time pressures and deadlines with accuracy.
• Use electronic mail, telephone, and texting for communication.
• Possible exposure to human body fluids, diseases, infections, lab chemicals, and hazardous materials.
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, masks, and gowns.

Physical Requirements

• Light work: Exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly.
• Prolonged standing, walking, kneeling, bending, sitting, stooping, and lifting.
• Ability to run in emergencies.
• Fine motor skills and tactile perception.
• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.
• Stamina for prolonged shifts.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

DCH Standards

• Maintain performance, patient and employee satisfaction, and financial standards.
• Adhere to compliance requirements and DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• Uphold the DCH Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and employees.
• Use electronic systems for email, time and attendance, learning management, and intranet.