Renal Technician

Detailed Overview:
Under the general supervision of the Manager, Clinical Operations, operates, sets up and monitors equipment during dialysis including preparing dialysis equipment for patient treatment, responding to alarms, problem solving equipment malfunctions and testing dialyzers; cleans, rinses, sterilizes and disinfects renal equipment; maintains equipment and supplies for patient care and demonstrates the operation of equipment to staff; participates in quality improvement activities, maintains current knowledge of renal equipment and provides input into renal equipment purchases.

**Responsibilities**:

- Prepares dialysis equipment for patient treatment by performing duties such as attaching tubing, running infusion medicine through blood lines, calibrating and checking alarms and testing dialyzers; monitors equipment during dialysis; assesses and troubleshoots equipment via equipment alarms; performs daily water verification test.
- Cleans, rinses, sterilizes and disinfects renal equipment according to manufacturer's specifications and established procedures; removes and disposes of dialyzers, as per established body substance precautions and biohazard waste procedures. Performs routine maintenance of dialysis machine and reverse osmosis (RO) equipment, including replacing pre-filters.
- Provides instruction and training to staff in operating renal equipment by demonstrating safe and effective equipment usage to ensure staff are familiar with policies and procedures, proper operation and maintenance; participates in ongoing and in-service educational training programs.
- Transports hemodialysis machines and portable reverse osmosis units to other areas and assists with the set up for acute dialysis, as required.
- Participates in quality improvement for the Renal Program to ensure optimal technical services are provided by performing duties such as identifying areas requiring improvement and making recommendations to the Manager, Clinical Operations.
- Maintains equipment and supplies for patient care by restocking, re-ordering and safely storing supplies, as required and in accordance with program procedures.
- Handles, stores and dispenses of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures; participates in activities such as attending to hazardous spill and/or minor spills to ensure the safe delivery of care to the patient.
- Participates in the purchase of new renal equipment in collaboration with the Manager, Clinical Operations and Biomedical Engineering staff.
- Maintains current knowledge of renal equipment through reviewing related journals and literature, attending training courses and/or conferences as required.
- Assists in preparing patients for treatment; transfers patients to/from waiting rooms and/or HandyDART pick up areas.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
**Education and Experience**

Grade 12, plus two (2) years recently related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

**Skills and Abilities**
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with others effectively.
- Physical ability to carry out duties of the position.
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.