Job Description

To provide patient care and support to the adult hemodialysis patients according to established policy/protocol under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports Michigan Dialysis Services Cantons commitment to quality and safety, including patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities.

• General supervision is received from Clinical Nursing Director (CND) and/ or Clinical Nursing Supervisor. 
• Functional supervision is received from nursing staff.

Patient Treatment

• Welcome patients into the unit and ask if any changes in health since last dialysis treatment.
• Conduct dialysis machine safety checks according to unit policy/procedure.
• Before initiating hemodialysis, the patient will be identified using two patient identifiers, name and birthdate, picture if available.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight.
• Evaluate and assess vascular access for patency and abnormal signs/symptoms.
• Cannulate access according to unit policy.
• Responsible for calculating and entry of orders into the dialysis machine.
• Responsible for assuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
• Obtain ordered laboratory testing as ordered.
• Prepare lab requisitions for prescribed or stat laboratory specimens according to the laboratory destination.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab specimens according to required laboratory specifications.
• Initiate hemodialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Responsible for accurate documentation in the electronic health record including vital signs, information related to initiation, patient treatment, and termination of treatment and progress notes (if applicable). Documentation to include any intervention for unusual patient status and patients' response to the intervention.
• Evaluate for intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed by RN.
• Monitor patient throughout hemodialysis treatment, including patients' response to dialysis, vascular access site and pressures, and visibility of patients' face and access.
• Obtain vital signs and perform all relevant functions necessary prior to terminating treatment.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to approved policies/procedures.
• Evaluate patient post hemodialysis.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings for needles or catheter.
• Evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and document pre and post dialysis evaluation including weight and vital signs.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition to the Registered Nurse.

Patient Education

• Assist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate including disease process, access, online clearance monitoring, adequacy monitoring program and urea kinetic modeling.

Technical Duties

• Maintain environmental integrity by assuring all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, back ledge and surrounding area between treatments according to unit policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for the dialysis treatment and document appropriately.
• Perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing.
• Ensure all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to unit policy.
• Prepare, organize and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.

Documentation

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI).
• Documents all treatment information accurately in the electronic medical record in a timely manner.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented and ensure omitted entries are completed and corrected where appropriate.

Professionalism and Confidentiality

• Personal business will not be conducted in patient care areas. Personal business includes but is not limited to cell phone use, homework, computer use for non- work-related business, etc.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Maintain confidentiality around performance and personnel issues that arise for staff.

Other duties as assigned 

• High school graduate or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified hemodialysis technician, CCHT or BONENT.
• Basic life support (BLS) certified.
• Minimum of two years' with current hemodialysis experience.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform at a fast paced 1:4, staff: patient ratio.
• Ability to lift and push heavy equipment.
• Ability to lift, move and position patients.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and adapt to change in a positive and constructive manner.
• Documented history of excellent punctuality and attendance.

• Experience with electronic medical record documentation.
• Knowledge of Michigan Medicine policies and procedures.

Staffing hours vary between the following shifts, and are subject to change with clinic needs during times of growth:
First Shift: 0430-1700
Third Shift: 0630-1900

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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