Associate Practitioner/ Dialysis Assistant

About Us

At DaVita UK, we provide dialysis care for over 2,000 patients across 27 clinics in the UK. We’re part of DaVita International who are focused on transforming care and improve quality of life for people receiving dialysis treatment globally. We are an independent nurse-led provider working in partnership with the NHS to deliver the highest level of care in state of the art clinics with the most technologically advanced equipment.

Role Overview

Assist and support the registered dialysis nurse practitioner in ensuring optimal care for patients on dialysis and provide care within agreed competencies under the supervision of the registered nurse.

Main Responsibilities

• Prepare the patient for dialysis treatment.
• Monitor and record patient vital signs, identifying and reporting abnormalities promptly.
• Prepare and programme the dialysis machine as per the dialysis prescription for haemodialysis or haemodiafiltration.
• Connect the patient to the dialysis machine and commence treatment as prescribed.
• Obtain blood samples via dialysis access or blood glucose.
• Monitor the patient throughout treatment, recognising and reporting changes promptly to a registered nurse.
• Administer saline/online fluid bolus (appropriate to treatment type) as per patient need and under supervision of registered nurse.
• Discontinue dialysis including wash back and removal of needles as per the vascular access competency assessment pack.
• Promptly report any concerns regarding the patient’s treatment or changes in the patient’s condition, behaviour or appearance to registered nurse and recognise sepsis.
• Document all actions and interventions clearly, accurately and comprehensively in the patient records.
• Follow evidence-based infection control practice and procedures.
• Support and motivate the team to consistently deliver high quality, safe compassionate care alongside optimal patient, carer and staff experience.
• Always act in such a manner that promotes a positive image of DaVita.
• Communicate and support patients and their carers in understanding their care and treatment. Identify potentially difficult and challenging situations and seek appropriate and timely advice as required.
• Liaise and communicate effectively with a range of people on a range of matters within the multidisciplinary team. Effectively use different methods of communication to support the delivery of care.
• Competently assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and understand the legal framework with patients who lack capacity and might be vulnerable.

Person Specification

• Healthcare-specific qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working in a haemodialysis unit with knowledge and experience of caring for renal/dialysis patients (desired, not essential).
• Basic computer skills (desired, not essential).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on Experience
• Monday to Saturday working pattern
• 35 days’ paid leave per annum, including bank holidays
• Day shifts only
• Flexible timings
• Flexible contracts
• Full training