Hydrotherapy Technician

Position Summary / Career Interest:

The Hydrotherapy Technician works under the general direction of the Unit Coordinator/Charge Nurse to perform nursing support care activities and also works directly with the RN assigned to perform burn and/or wound care. Is familiar with standards of practice and procedures as these apply to the role. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Is self-directed and proactive in performing a variety of tasks as indicated in his/her role and as assigned based on patient care and unit needs.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Anticipates and prepares for dressing procedures by obtaining supplies and specialty dressings, opening and setting up under clean technique prior to start of dressing.
• Confirms patient has received analgesia prior to start of dressing procedure.
• Maintains Hydrotherapy room and related equipment including ; shower carts, water systems weigh scales, blanket warmer and reporting and requesting repairs as needed.
• Maintains stock of supplies in patient rooms, treatment areas, and medication rooms.
• Sanitizes and disinfects all surfaces as per standard.
• Performs application of topical ointments and specialty dressings.
• Performs mechanical debridement / wound cleansing via hydrotherapy or at bedside.
• Performs passive range of motion (ROM), remove, apply, and reapply splints, temporary and custom compression as directed by RN, Physical and or Occupational Therapy.
• Performs safe patient mobility by moving, repositioning or transferring patients using the appropriate lifting / moving techniques and equipment.
• Provides basic nursing skills, including but not limited to:  Vital signs and pulse oximetry; ADL’s: recording intake and output; collecting urine, stool and sputum specimens; SCDs etc. ; emptying drains; urinary catheters, NG tubes, and ostomies.  Obtaining and documenting weights, fluid and nutritional intake, output, oral care in non-intubated patients, oral feeding, bathing, shaving, etc.
• Documents in O2 all tasks, I&O, percentage of meal eaten.
• Maintains a neat, clutter free and clean patient room and work environment.  Maintains a safe patient environment to include High Fall Risk interventions as appropriate.  This can include but not limited to; hourly rounds; answering call lights in person promptly for all patients on the unit, reinforcing of patient/family education regarding fall and safety precautions.
• Demonstrates proper hand hygiene, standard precautions and isolation principles.
• Caring for the patient in restraints; including ROM and fluids/toileting; reorienting confused patients.
• Promptly notifies RN of change in vital signs from baseline or expected result, change in mental status or condition, any breakdown in skin integrity or redness of skin, patient report of pain, any other patient needs, concerns or issues.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate
• 1 or more years of hospital or clinic based direct patient care clinical experience in, of which 6 months includes burn and wound experience is required; or Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Medical Assistant (MA), or EMT experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Licensed Practical Nurse

Required Licensure and Certification

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)

Preferred Licensure and Certification

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) OR
• Licensed Paramedic - State Board of Emergency Medical Services OR
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) OR

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.