Description

Purpose:
Perform and coordinate all technical tasks related to the preparation, operation and maintenance of Hemodialysis equipment. Maintain and monitor the water treatment systems used in Hemodialysis is an integral part of this position.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the yearly competency validation of staff by the development of audit tools or by performing observations for skill verification? Develop productive working relationships with departments that frequently interact with dialysis ? Function as a technical / water expert for unit and other dialysis facilities? Take initiative to improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and/or self-identified developmental needs.
• Review monthly report on equipment due for PM and assist in making equipment available to clinical engineering.? Verify that routine safety, maintenance and cleaning procedures are performed and documented on hemodialysis machines.? Ensure that cultures and endotoxins are obtained on hemodialysis machines as per unit policy.? Verify that hemodialysis machine results meet AAMI standards. ? Review culture / endotoxin reports with Medical Director at monthly meeting.? Coordinate with the charge nurse the preparation of dialysis machines to ensure that equipment is available and ready for use when needed.? Prepare hemodialysis machines for patient use, set up with appropriate dialyzer and concentrates using aseptic technique. At conclusion of treatment, tear down system, clean and sanitize machines. ? Track Phoenix meters ? send for PM and recalibration as per schedule.? Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives
• Serve as the resource person on the operation and maintenance of the central water system. ? Perform monthly sanitization of central water system? Maintain accurate records on the central water system including sanitization, DI tank changes, carbon bed changes, and repairs by vendor. ? Serve as the resource for all staff on the operation and maintenance of portable reverse osmosis machines and hemodialysis machines. ? Provide instruction on care and operation of dialysis equipment? Participate in the orientation of new staff
• Know and practice procedures related to hazardous waste disposal and chemical usage.? Inventory supplies not managed through Central Distribution. Order supplies to maintain stock levels through eProcurement.? Ensure compliance with all ESRD regulations related to water treatment, machine use, environmental safety. ? Participate in the evaluation of new dialysis equipment
• Verify that routine safety, maintenance and cleaning procedures are performed and documented on all water systems? Ensure documentation is complete related to required readings and status of water systems? Ensure that readings are within parameters and water is safe for use? Ensure that monthly water cultures and endotoxin samples are obtained from all water treatment systems and sent? Verify that culture and endotoxin results meet AAMI standards. Ensure that machines that do not meet standards are removed from service until standards are met
• Ensure that water analytics are obtained on all water treatment systems yearly? Maintain organized records and monitor for trends? Review culture / endotoxin reports and other records with Medical Director at monthly meeting? Appropriately respond to emergent situations i.e. central water system failure, to ensure appropriate / safe treatment of patients

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent. Previous hospital or medical training (LPN, EMT, medical assistant, nursing assistant, etc.) preferred. Sucessful completion of the UPMC clinical dialysis technician training program.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34
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  UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran