Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician - PCT

Purpose and Scope

Functions as part of the Inpatient Services Hemodialysis Health Care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides patient care under direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse the FKC RN for assigned patient(s) in the dialysis suite in the acute setting.
• Responsible for reporting and documenting all new and unusual incidents, information, complaints, or problems to the RN.
• Promote and assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) Activities; including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FKC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).
• With documented competency and proficiency may set up and prime equipment as directed by the Fresenius Nurse for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement and peritoneal dialysis therapies).
• Will be responsible for assuring the dialysis machine has been set up, tested and found to be safe for dialysis treatment in accordance with manufacturer instructions for use and company policy and procedures.
• Welcomes assigned patients and inquired as to their well-being since their last treatment. Reports any complaints or observations to the FMCNA RN.
• Obtains necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight. Reports unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Reports any difficulties in cannulation to FMCNA RN as permitted by state requirements; or unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment. This information is documented appropriately in the individual patient record to include the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS) and the Acute Care Electronic System (ACES).
• Responsible for calculating and entry of individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; Sodium (Na) modeling; and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled including narrow venous limits (NVL 160).
• Collects, labels specimens and ensures timely delivery to laboratory per facility policy.
• Evaluates intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician’s order or as directed by FMCNA RN. Monitors patient’s response to dialysis therapy and reports any unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion; performing all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment- documentation.
• Reports any change or unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Evaluates patient prior to termination of venous access – standing and sitting blood pressures prior to termination of venous access. Obtains hemostasis and applies appropriate dressings. Evaluates the patient prior to discharge and reports any unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor or supervising RN.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Day-to-day work includes personal computer work while standing and sitting, interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
• The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels.
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance.
• This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to assist in moving machines and equipment of up to 200 lbs and may lift chemical and water solutions of up to 30 lbs up as high as 5 feet.
• There is a two-person assist program and material assist devices for the heavier items.

Supervision

None.

Education

High School Diploma or its equivalent required.

Experience and Required Skills

• None required. At least 6 months’ experience is preferred in related Field (EMT, Surgical Technicians, Army, Phlebotomists, and technicians).
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline. Effective communication skills - both verbal and written.
• Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.