Dialysis Technician - (Athens) - (AI32837-4036-AL)

Dialysis Technician Exemption: Non-Exempt Summary: The Dialysis Technician provides limited chronic or peritoneal dialysis treatment for the treatment of the ESRD patient.

Qualifications:

1) High School Diploma or GED.

2) Current CPR certification.

Essential Job Functions:

Patient Care:

1) Receive patient into treatment area. Weigh patient, take temperature and blood pressure pre and post dialysis. Document on all dialysis flow sheets.

2) Perform and record patient observation: vital signs and all other parameters of ESRD patients, obtain blood samples and culture specimens, and prepares for shipment.

3) Review dialysis orders, notes general physical and mental condition of patient through observations and interview, provide data to determine compliance to dietary or medical regimen. Document observations appropriately.

4) Provide chronic hemodialysis therapy: recommends a dialysis plan for ultrafiltration to RN, initiate dialysis via approved accesses, observe all safety measures, monitor patient vital signs applicable to critically ill patients, administer fluid therapy or other appropriate treatments as directed, document activity appropriately.

5) Collect patient data: monitor and document status of vascular accesses, reviews lab work, patient observations, and seeks guidance when levels are out of "normal" range for ESRD patients.

6) Perform the following only under the direction of an RN:

a. Instruct patients in the care of fistulas and other open wounds.

b. Review physician orders, and reinforce treatment care with patient.

7) Administer patient quality in a considerate, respectful manner.

Equipment Care:

1) Set up and monitor dialysis machines and systems: Observe dialysis machines and RO water system for correct functioning, respond to visual and audible alarms and makes appropriate adjustments pre, during and after the dialysis treatment.

2) Ability to dismantle, clean and disinfect dialysis machines and equipment according to Davita procedures.

3) Understand all duties related to dialyzer reuse: dialyzer cleaning and sterilization and equipment using chemicals, rinses, priming the dialyzers, attachment and installation of all required tubing, positioning of dialyzer, preparation of dialysate delivery system for dialysis, dialyzer connection and all pumps, alarm checks, monitor settings, dialyzer tests.

Quality Assurance:

1) Complete flow sheets and charge vouchers in order to verify appropriate patient billing.

2) Report inventories and supply shortage to Facility Administrator.

3) Compliance with DaVita policy and procedure in accordance with state and federal regulations for patient care and services.

4) Compliance with state or federal regulations of the Injury Prevention and Safety Training Program.

5) Participate in quality assurance and cost containment programs.

Other Duties as Assigned:

1) Perform other duties as assigned.

2) Able to work overtime with little or no choice.

3) Attend in-services, staff meetings and patient care conferences.

4) Ability to lift minimum weight of 35 pounds, and able to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, reaching, and use full range of body motions.

5) Understand and follow DaVita patient and employee policy and procedure.

DaVita Inc. is the largest provider of dialysis services in the United States for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease, or ESRD. We currently operate or provide administrative services to approximately 1200 outpatient dialysis centers located in 41 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 94,500 patients.

All this makes us the largest independent provider of dialysis services in the United States. Though we're proud of this standing, we have set our sights on a higher goal. We want to be the greatest dialysis company the world has ever seen. And we're accomplishing this through a shared commitment to our mission and values.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background verification checks. For more information about DaVita visit our website