Location: Stamford,CT, USA
Stamford Health is looking for a Dialysis Tech to join their Dialysis Department! The Dialysis Tech would perform assigned patient care responsibilities under the direct supervision of the dialysis nurse. Monitors equipment and maintains inventory to ensure clinical environment meets the needs of the patient population.The patient population: Adult and geriatric population with Chronic Kidney Disease, End-Stage Kidney Disease, or Acute kidney injury* Monitors all equipment and patient status during dialysis treatments under the supervision of a dialysis nurse.* Documents and communicates to the nurse and immediately reports any significant changes in patient condition to the nurse* Assist in room preparation setup prior to dialysis treatment when required.* Checks and maintains department equipment and supplies.* Safely sets up and monitors dialysis machines and systems; operates all equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organizational policy and procedures.* Maintains inventory and records related to dialysis department quality assurance monitoring per guidelines/regulations.* Demonstrates clinical and technical skills according to established standards of practice.* Collects patient data; monitors and documents status of vascular access, review labs work, patient observations and seeks guidance when levels are out of normal range for ESRD patients.* Under direction of the RN, instructs patients on care of fistula and open wounds; and reinforces treatment care with patients* Monitors vital signs; weight, intake and output before, during and after treatments in EMR.* Obtain blood samples and culture specimens as ordered* Disinfect dialysis supplies and sanitize equipment* Monitors patients, equipment, responding to alarms and adjusting treatment* Responds appropriately to dialysis related emergencies* Communicates emotional, medical, psychosocial, and nutritional concerns to the registered nurse and working with them to ensure patient needs are met* Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the department.* Works closely with others on the dialysis team and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.* Will be required to cross-train to Medical Surgical Units to provide support when Dialysis patient volume is low.* All other duties assignedConnecticut General Statutes Section 19a-269a provides that certified dialysis patient care technicians employed in an outpatient or hospital dialysis unit may administer saline, heparin or lidocaine as necessary to initiate or terminate a patient's dialysis provided the ratio of on-duty staff providing direct patient care to dialysis patients shall be at least three to nine, and at least one of the three on -duty direct patient care staff persons shall be a registered nurse licensed to practice in this state. Certified dialysis patient care technician means a person who has obtained certification as a dialysis patient care technician by an organization approved by the Department of Public Health.EXPERIENCE:Two years Dialysis experience preferred (either acute or chronic)SPECIAL SKILLS:* Unit specific orientation required. Current BLS Must be competent to treat in both acute care and IRF setting.* Must be responsive to multiple deadlines.* Excellent written, oral and communication skills are essential.* Demonstrated organization skills are essential. Skills in the utilization of quality improvement methods related to data management and analysis.* Competency with computer software such MS Office or equivalentEDUCATION:High school diploma or equivalent. Certification or qualified to be certified as a Dialysis Technician. PCA/CNA experience preferred but not required.LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:One of the following* Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission ( NNCC)* Certified Clinical dialysis Technician ( CCHT)* Certified Hemodialysis Technician offered by the Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology ( BONENT) within 6 months of being hired as a dialysis technician