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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

A non-licensed, staff member who functions as part of the inpatient dialysis team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients in accordance with NGHS policy, procedures, training and in compliance with regulations set forth by regulatory agencies. Is flexible in a variety of nursing support and transport duties. Performs a variety of clinical tasks including, but not limited to cleaning and stocking of supplies, and direct patient care within the scope of defined practice. Functions under the direct supervision of the dialysis nurse. Cares for patients in the adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Current Georgia Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Certification (CCHT) certification.

• Educational Requirements: Reading, writing, and math skills at a 10th grade completion level or higher as evidenced by a High School Diploma, GED.

• Minimum Experience:

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience: 1-2 years related experience preferred.

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills

• Physical ability to push/pull patients

• Adaptable in changing situation and work assignments

• Able to accept direction from professional nursing staff, and perform basic technical skills and procedures

• Bi-lingual basic language skills preferred

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Obtains and accurately documents necessary pre and post procedure vitals signs and weight and reports any abnormal findings to the Inpatient Dialysis RN.

• Utilizes proper body mechanics, provides for positioning, mobility, hygiene, ADL, and/or comfort needs according to procedure and direction.

• Monitors p.o. intake and urine output, recording amount on appropriate forms.

• Promptly identifies and reports physical and mental status changes to licensed staff assigned to the patient.

• Evaluates vascular access for patency and reports any unusual findings to the RN. During treatment provides appropriate interventions as needed, documents and reports abnormal findings to the RN.

• Performs vascular access cannulation and reports any difficulties in cannulation or unusual findings to the RN.

• With documented competency may set up and prime equipment as directed by the dialysis RN for renal replacement therapies.

• Welcomes assigned patients to the unit, conducts initial identification and inquires about their well being since last treatment. Reports and complaints or observations to the RN.

• Explains procedure or care to be provided to patient prior to start of procedure.

• Responsible for calculating and entry of individual patients' dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, Sodium (NA) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed.

• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled including narrow venous limits (NVL 160).

• Answers the telephone in a polite and courteous manner:

• Screens and refers all calls appropriately to ensure accurate communication.

• Refers all calls to leave orders for patient care to licensed staff.

• Relays telephone, verbal, and written requests accurately to the appropriate individual (s).

• Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders ncluding setting blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow rate (QD) as prescribed.

• Contributes to patient safety by:

• Utilization of Universal Precautions for all patients and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

• Careful adherence to NGHS Hand Hygiene policy.

• Providing a safe patient environment (i.e. call light within reach, side-rails up, etc.)

• Obtaining and restocking isolation supplies for patients on Infection Precautions.

• Collects, labels specimens and ensures timely delivery to the lab.

• Completing and documenting equipment cleaning responsibilities as well as maintaining properly functioning equipment. Promptly reports equipment issues to charge nurse.

• Monitors patients response to dialysis treatment and reports any abnormal findings to the RN

• Replaces telemetry batteries as needed.

• Performs patient transport functions as needed by the unit.

• Cleans and restocks.

• Changes out sharps containers located in dialysis unit when containers are two-thirds full.

• Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion, performing all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment and documents.

• Discontinues dialysis treatment according to established procedures.

• Participates in staff meeting with no more than two absences per year.

• Reads and responds to e-mails in timely manner.

• Exhibits flexibility in scheduling to meet department staffing needs.

• Completes unit specific and annual competency assessment requirements within specific timelines.

• Completes other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65%

• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.