Nephrology Technologist

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Nephrology Technologist maintains and services dialysis equipment, and provides technical support to patients, nursing, and medical staff, and initiates, monitors, and terminates dialysis treatments, as per unit protocols. May be required to work at the Charlton, King, Ohsweken, Brantford campuses, HHS hospital sites, and other contract sites as required.

QUALIFICATIONS :
-3 year college diploma in Electrical/Electronic Technical diploma and/or Health Sciences
-Technologist certification through the hospital.
-Internal training program with successful completion of an examination set by the program with a minimum passing grade of 80%.
-1 to 3 years practical and related experience
-Advanced computer skills and technical aptitude is required.
-Adherence to the standards for Nephrology Technical Practice and the departmental policies and procedures. Dialysis specific training, vascular access cannulation and OR environmental training.
-Ability to work effectively with patients, technical, nursing and medical staff in a pleasant and courteous manner.
-Willingness to work in a chronic care patient-orientated unit.
-Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families
-Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Possessing an in-depth knowledge of dialysis and water treatment equipment, the technologist is able to operate, maintain, calibrate and trouble-shoot equipment necessary to carry out dialysis treatments as well as monitor and control devices
-Performs all clinical procedures under the delegation of medical acts approved by MAC which include the initiation and discontinuation of hemodialysis using AV fistulae or grafts, creating access for button hole dialysis access, monitoring blood pressure of patients undergoing dialysis, administering heparin and collecting and ordering blood specimens from patients.
-Performs fistula/graft assessment using ultrasound and blood flow measurements using transonic
-Documents all elements of direct care provided to patients, according to hospital standards of documentation.
-Reviews, and commits to adhere to, all applicable hospital policies and procedures.
-Maintains confidentiality at all times and ensures the release of information is in accordance with hospital policy.
-Collects statistics, writing reports on new products, technical advances and Quality Assurance initiatives.
-Sets up dialysis equipment in other areas of the hospital, other hospitals, and patients’ homes.
-Facilitates the installation of electrical and plumbing necessary for hemodialysis treatments in patients’ homes and ensuring that all work is performed to CSA standards and applicable Codes.
-Prepares machines and disposables for dialysis and related therapies according to physician’s orders.
-Monitors all gauges, equipment etc. during dialysis to ensure equipment operates properly and acts as a resource for any equipment related issues.
-Samples and tests dialysis machines and water treatment equipment for bacterial and endotoxin contamination, as well as electrolyte concentration and adds chemicals for specific treatments when needed.
-Follows all applicable infection control protocols including isolation of designated dialysis equipment with respect to hepatitis protocols, as well as disinfecting dialysis machines and water treatment equipment.
-Assists in the training of new technical and nursing staff, as well as training for new home and self-care patients, Residents and Fellows.
-Participates in on-call schedule as required.
-Acts as renal perfusionist throughout the LHIN following an extensive training period including cadaveric and live related kidneys under the delegation of medical acts as approved by the MAC.
-Provides support and expertise to other hospitals in the province (e.g., Brantford Community Health System, Hamilton Health Sciences).
-Assists in technical and clinical research studies.