Hemodialysis Support Assistant Hemodialysis Unit

In Spring 2020 the St. Michael’s Hospital Regional Renal Program opened a brand new Kidney Care Centre, offering a wide range of services including a Satellite Dialysis Unit. Located at the East York Town Centre, this new Satellite Dialysis Unit has the capacity for 21 dialysis stations, providing patients with end stage renal disease the opportunity to have their dialysis treatments at a community setting.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team receiving functional supervision from the RN, the clinical assistant will be responsible for contributing to patient care by providing basic patient support and for assisting with indirect care tasks and will contribute to the safe and effective patient care by preparing hemodialysis related materials, equipment and providing necessary support to the team members and patients.

**Duties will include**:

- Contributing to patient profile upon admission by supporting the patient upon entry into the unit, including and not limited to, assist pt with obtaining weight and height pre-dialysis
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living including but not limited to feeding, colostomy care, incontinent care, etc.
- Providing one-to-one constant patient care as required
- Providing support to the emergency team in response to pre or code situations and restraint of the aggressive patient utilizing Crises Prevention Institute techniques;
- Answering call lights and arranging for the proper removal and safekeeping of patients' belongings;
- Demonstrating the ability to show initiative, independence, priority setting and problem solving techniques in a time limited and chaotic environment, while maintaining composure;
- Assisting with cardiac arrest and trauma response; undertaking preparation of the deceased patient for the morgue;
- Participating, with team members, in the patient care planning process and in the development and implementation of quality-based initiatives
- Moving and setting up patient treatment related equipment according to individual clinical needs.
- Cleaning / disinfecting dialysis machines and other related equipment between dialysis treatments according to appropriate procedures and protocols.
- Transporting and storing concentrates and other chemicals as required.
- Operating acid central delivery system and transferring acid concentrates.
- Performing required Quality Assurance and Safety tests related to water purification systems and equipment residual contaminants.
- Transporting and transferring of patients as required.
- Recording all duties and tasks performed and reporting any noted irregularities utilizing EMR and other hospital resources as applicable

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Successful completion of a Health Care Aide (HCA) or Personal Support Worker (PSW) diploma / certificate from a recognized program approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that is no less than 625 hours in length
- Current CPR or BCLS certificate.
- Previous experience as a Clinical Assistant in Hemodialysis unit required.
- Previous experience and familiarity with hemodialysis equipment required.
- Demonstrated ability to read and understand basic medical terminology required
- Knowledge of sterility and aseptic technique required.
- Ability to understand and solve issues related to medical equipment and its safe use in hemodialysis unit required.
- Knowledge and ability to work safely with hazardous materials (acids and alkalis) required.
- Excellent communication skills (ability to read, write and speak to be able to complete the duties of this position).
- Demonstrated excellent customer focused approach to patient and staff
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
- Must be physically able to perform all duties requiring repetitive heavy exertion (lifting, pushing, and pulling)
- Excellent problem recognition and solving skills.
- Excellent attendance record.
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding the mission and values of St. Michael's Hospital.

**HOURS**: Must be willing and able to work all shifts including days, evenings, nights and weekends as determined by the needs of the hospital. Must be available on short notice