Hemodialysis Technician

Kaiser Permanente; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente is seeking a Hemodialysis Technician in Los Angeles to support patient care in the dialysis unit. You will prepare dialysis treatments, monitor patients, operate dialysis machines, and work under RN supervision to ensure safety and quality care.

The role includes equipment setup, sanitation, inventory management, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. On-call days/hours may vary, with emphasis on patient safety and timely treatment delivery.

Qualifications

• One year recent experience as a Hemodialysis Technician.
• Completed a California-approved hemodialysis training program.
• High school diploma or equivalency required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the unit for dialysis treatment and set up machines.
• Initiate, monitor and terminate dialysis as prescribed.
• Maintain supplies, clean and sterilize equipment.
• Perform quality control and safety checks on equipment.

Skills

Cannulation skills

Basic computer skills

Fluent in English

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Hemodialysis Technician Certificate (California)

Basic Life Support

Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Certificate

Tools

Dialysis machines

Glucometers

pH meters

Water testing strips

Reverse Osmosis system

Job description

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Department Administrator, Assistant Department Administrator, Charge Nurse, or Registered Hemodialysis Nurse. Prepare the unit for dialysis treatment, including setting up machines, quality control of equipment and simple troubleshooting of dialysis machines. Initiate and terminate dialysis treatment as prescribed by physician. Perform intra-dialysis checks, monitoring and other patient care related duties under the direct supervision of the Hemodialysis Nurse. Prepare and distribute concentrate solution as per departments policy and procedure. Perform supply inventory, ordering and re-stocking. Participates in QM, CQI and other unit projects. Clean and keep the unit safe and clutter free. Sterilize and clean dialysis machine and equipment. Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Responsibilities

• The following duties and responsibilities generally reflect the expectations of this position but are not intended to be all inclusive.
• Patient Care:
• Provide therapeutic care to patients in accordance with treatment prescription and nursing policies, procedures, standards and schedules. Receive patient into treatment area; perform and record weight, vital signs and all other parameters of ESRD patients per policy and/or state regulation pre & post dialysis; documents all data gathered and reports to RN. May recommend dialysis ultra-filtration plan to RN, observe and monitor status of vascular access, initiate dialysis via approved dialysis accesses using proper cannulation techniques, and comply with infection control and safety measures. Document activities appropriately.
• Follows infection control policies
• Prepare dialysate per policy & procedure.
• Data Collection of designated patient information
• Initiate, monitor and terminate dialysis treatment. Constant monitoring of patient.
• Initiates appropriate emergency procedures and report unusual conditions.
• Assist nurses and physicians as directed during routine and emergency procedures. Monitor and evaluate test readings during procedures.
• Stock, distribute and maintain supplies for hemodialysis patients.
• Inventory, order and restock all supplies and equipment as required in unit. Clean and restock work area
• Perform only under direction of an RN: Instruct patient in the care of vascular access Review prescription Reinforce treatment care with patient
• Administer quality patient care in a considerate, respectful manner at all times
• Performs all functions conscientiously and in a timely manner within established guidelines
• Equipment Care
• Set up and monitor dialysis machines and Reverse Osmosis system Prepare dialysate according to policy & procedure Assist in the maintenance of dialysis equipment.
• Clean and sterilize equipment using hospital-approved disinfectant. Monitor operation of equipment for leaks, restrict flow, and pump failures. Calibrate and adjust equipment in preparation for and during procedures. Keep all equipment clean and operative. Trouble shoots and performs minor equipment repair. Perform quality control and safety checks of equipment and instruments and record findings. Perform chemical testing and analyzing and record findings. Document findings and report any malfunctioning equipment timely and appropriately
• Operates other equipment or machine such glucometers, ph meter and various test strips for water quality testing. Clean and sterilize equipment using hospital-approved disinfectant. Performs QC of machine and document findings
• Quality Assurance
• Completes treatment records after each treatment according to policies & procedures
• Know and comply with Infection Control policy and safety program
• Administrative and other:
• Maintain current licensure and certifications.
• Attend conferences, huddles, meeting and in-service training programs.
• Maintain proficiency in clinical skills.
• Know facility emergency plans and act appropriately in an emergency
• Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.
• Consistent, regular, punctual attendance as scheduled is an essential responsibility of this position.

Basic Qualifications

Experience

• One (1) year recent experience as a Hemodialysis Technician required.

• Per the National Agreement, current KP Coalition employees have this experience requirement waived.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalency required
• Completed a hemodialysis training program that is approved by the medical director and governing body, under the direction of a registered nurse, focused on the operation of kidney dialysis equipment and machines, providing direct patient care, and communication and interpersonal skills, including patient sensitivity training and care of difficult patients. The training program must include the following subjects: Principles of dialysis. Care of patients with kidney failure, including interpersonal skills. Dialysis procedures and documentation, including initiation, proper cannulation techniques, monitoring, and termination of dialysis. Possible complications of dialysis. Water treatment and dialysate preparation. Infection control. Safety.Dialyzer reprocessing, if applicable.

License, Certification, Registration

• Hemodialysis Technician Certificate (California)
• Basic Life Support
• Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Certificate

Additional Requirements

• Vision Requirement: The ability to discern colors is an essential job function for persons responsible for reading color metric tests.
• Water hardness test - Must be capable of distinguishing between different shades of pink and other colors.
• Chloramine test - Must be capable of distinguishing between the colors of blue, purple, and red.
• Knowledge & Skills: Dialysis training program which includes all the subjects stated above
• Cannulation skills, establishing/cannulating buttonhole preferred
• Basic computer skills and proficiency: Word, Excel, Power point preferred
• Fluent in the written and verbal skills necessary to perform successfully the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to read, speak and write English with clarity of expression sufficient to communicate technical and complex concepts to staff, patients and patients family members in clear and easily understandable terms required.
• Ability to understand clinical/medical vocabulary written or spoken in English required.

Preferred Qualifications

• N/A

Notes

• This is an on call position, days and hours may vary.