UPMC East, Mercy, & McKeesport is looking for a Clinical Dialysis Technician to join our team of Life Changers. This position will travel between the three locations spending approximately even time at each. Dialysis and/or inpatient experience is preferred.

Hours: 

6:30a-6:30p, 3 shifts/wk, 3 Saturdays per 6wk schedule, no Sundays, no evenings/night

Purpose:
Perform under the direct supervision of the dialysis professional nurse and in accordance with UPMC/unit policies and procedures. Prepare, operate and maintain equipment used for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and water treatment. Initiate and discontinue hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments, monitor the patient and equipment during the dialysis treatment, and perform other select dialysis related procedures. Assist the physician with line placements and renal biopsies. Maintain inventory and reorder supplies.

Responsibilities:

Assist the professional nurse in the nursing care of patients by safely and complete performing assigned and/or designated activities. Report all changes in condition or behavior to the professional nurse. 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. Perform routine safety and maintenance procedures on water treatment systems to maintain water quality according to AMMI standards. Identify equipment malfunctions, pull equipment from service, inform the bioengineering technician, and facilitates repairs. Perform work in a timely and productive manner. Maintain ample stock of supplies within patient care areas/unit. Assist in maintaining unit cleanliness and order. 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. Perform machine breakdown, cleaning, and sterilization. Set up peritoneal dialysis machine and primes tubing. May initiate and discontinues peritoneal dialysis treatments per established procedure after completion of peritoneal dialysis training.Monitor the patient and equipment during the peritoneal dialysis procedure, respond to machine alarms, and problem solves as necessary. May perform daily peritoneal dialysis exit site care, sterile peritoneal dialysis tubing changes, and obtains fluid samples after completion of peritoneal training.May assist with line insertions and other select procedures as neededFollow procedures for standard precautions and hazardous substances. Perform unit testing/monitoring of equipment and records results. Provide patient care under the direction of the registered nurse. Follows all recommended precaution and isolation proceduresApply, monitor, and remove patient restraints. Apply monitor leads and places patient on monitor. Place patient on prescribed oxygen therapy and obtains pulse oximeter reading. Constructively receive feedback and direction from charge personnel. Identify and communicate learning needs to appropriate supervisory personnel. Serve as a resource for staff on the operation and maintenance of dialysis equipment. Serve as a preceptor for new clinical renal dialysis technicians. 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. Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies. Establish respectful interpersonal relationships. Respond to emergent situations and initiate actions within scope of duties. Contribute to the universal activities of the unit, including but not limited to, respond to machine alarms, answer call lights, answer the telephone, pass/pick up meal trays and assist with patient care activities. 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. Follow unit protocol regarding the set-up of the portable reverse osmosis unit. Set up hemodialysis machines and primes dialyzer and blood tubing. Initiate and discontinue hemodialysis treatments per established procedure. Monitor the patient and equipment during the hemodialysis procedure, respond to machine alarms, and problem solves as necessary. Obtain blood work from AV fistulas, AV grafts, and double lumen dialysis catheters.