Lead Clinical Dialysis Technician - UPMC Shadyside & UPMC St. Margaret

at  UPMC

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND CLEARANCES:

Dialysis Technician certification required. Patient Care Technician certification preferred. CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Maryland employees only: Maryland CNA-DT, Certified Nursing Assistant Dialysis Tech, license required through the Maryland Board of Nursing. Within 18 months of the CNA-DT issue date, must complete the National Certification exam for the CCHT (Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician) certification.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Certified Hemodialysis Technician
• Act 34

PURPOSE:

Oversee and coordinate all technical operations for the department involving the preparation, operation and maintenance of equipment used for Hemodialysis/CRRT.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the exemplary service goal of the UPMC by contributing to patient satisfaction and maintaining patient rights. Suggest and support changes within the organization by responding and contributing to written and oral communication. Assume responsibility for complex assignments and views problems as challenges. Demonstrate awareness of the impact of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department/organization. Provide instruction to patients and families under the direction of the RN. Orients new technicians and/or nurses. Serve as a role model and mentor for staff including organizational ethics and professionalism.
• Obtain and collaborate with the manager seeking approval for outside medical supply ordering in procurement database, maintaining established levels of supplies and supporting cost containment. Provide instruction on the care, design and operation of dialysis equipment. Verify that all technical work is performed in a timely and productive manner and documented on the established form. Participate in the evaluation of new equipment. Participate in ongoing evaluation and improvement of nursing services.
• Ensure Compliance with all known ESRD regulations. Completes all CQI as assigned. Follows all recommended precaution and isolation procedures. Know and practice procedures related to hazardous waste disposal and chemical usage. Update the MSDS binder.
• Recognize and respond accordingly to emergency procedures, such as major equipment failure, fire, loss of power and water. Set up, operate and maintain equipment used for hemodialysis Prepare, monitor, clean, sterilize and dispose of dialysis equipment in order to provide safe and optimum patient care. Perform supportive duties under direction of the charge nurse in direct patient care areas. Function as the technical expert when interacting with other staff, departments and facilities.
• Assist the professional nurse to provide safe patient care. Verify that monthly water and dialysate cultures are sent and meet AAMI standards. Verify that routine safety, maintenance and cleaning procedures are performed and documented on all water systems to maintain quality according to AAMI standards of practice. Review the final results with manager and Medical Director. Ensure documentation is completed on the established form. May have supervisory responsibilities over the dialysis technicians.
• Constructively receive feedback and direction from charge personnel. Identify and communicate learning needs to appropriate supervisory personnel. Serve as a resource for all staff on the operation and maintenance of dialysis equipment. Take action to improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and/or self-identified developmental needs. Participate in self-review and the development of goals for the coming year. Orients new technicians and/or nurses. Serve as a role model and mentor for staff including organizational ethics and professionalism.
• Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies. Establish respectful interpersonal relationships. Respond to emergent situations and initiate actions within scope of duties. Maintain accurate unit communication and assists with select clerical functions. Strictly adhere to all policies relative to patient care and hospital related information. Utilize hospital information systems.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
  High school diploma or equivalent. Associate or baccalaureate degree preferred. Ability to work with technical equipment and learn through on-the-job training the function and monitoring of equipment used for dialysis and water treatment. Minimum of 4 years dialysis technician experience required.