Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with organization policies, procedures and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, assisting in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Related

Education:

• Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate – Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and regarding disease process/access.

Treatment:

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre‑treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by a physician order or as directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment – document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access – standing and sitting blood pressure.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Accurately document patient treatment information including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document the patient’s response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

• Assist in training direct patient‑care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.

Education/Communication

• Follow all organization business policies, procedures and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics – ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
• Conduct all necessary preparation tasks for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform all required pre‑treatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).

RECORD KEEPING

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
• Ensure lab specimens are collected by appropriate lab courier.

INFECTION CONTROL

• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
• Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
• Follow infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.

TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT

• Follow all newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce all education and care‑related matters as they relate to the new patient as allowed by state law.
• Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience, ensuring all disciplines are scheduled to see patient according to plan.
• Assist in ensuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits of home and how home dialysis can work for them.
• Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assist in ensuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of the peritoneal dialysis set‑up.
• Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Employees are required to take Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment, though failing the test does not preclude employment; reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Day‑to‑day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community; travel to regional, business unit and corporate meetings may be required.
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels, and may involve exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Providing direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients, assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. The position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the ability to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force, lift and lower solutions up to 30 lbs. on a frequent basis and up to 40 lbs. on an occasional lift basis, as high as 5 feet. A two‑person assist program and “material assist” devices are available for heavier items.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet CMS‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values and customer service standards.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Previous patient‑care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification.

The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills and competencies.

Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $32.00

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.