Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Nephrology Technologist provides guidance for Nephrology technical staff to ensure that the day-to-day operations function properly. The Senior Nephrology Technologist is involved in all technical and various clinical aspects of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. May be required to work at both the Charlton and King Campus.QUALIFICATIONS:
-3 year College diploma in Electrical/Electronic Technical diploma and/or Health Sciences
-5 to 7 years practical and related experience required
-Technologist certification through the hospital
-Advanced computer skills and technical aptitude is required.
-Adherence to the standards for Nephrology Technical Practice and the departmental policies and procedures. Extensive knowledge of dialysis technology and the treatment of Renal Failure.
-Dialysis specific training, vascular access cannulation and OR environmental training.
-Communicates effectively with using timely, appropriate written, verbal and non-verbal means.
-Demonstrates excellence in written and oral communication.
-Demonstrates excellent decision-making and organizational skills.
-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.RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Ensures the safe and effective daily operations of the hemodialysis unit (equipment and technical staff).
-Sources/orders parts and products required for the technical aspect of dialysis.
-Prepares staff scheduling for Technical Manager\'s approval.
-Carries out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the departmental Quality Assurance program.
-Attends/ participates in unit meetings/ activities and supports the mission statement, philosophy and goals of the unit and organization.
-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.
-Sets up dialysis equipment in other areas of the hospital, other hospitals, and patients\xe2\x80\x99 homes.
-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.
-Extensively knowledgeable about 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, writes reports on new products, technical advances, Quality Assurance initiatives, educational programs and materials for nephrology technology.
-Assists in the training of new technical, allied health, nursing staff, 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

St Joseph\'s Healthcare Hamilton