Patient Care Technician - PCT

Overview Be among the first 25 applicants. 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. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization’s 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 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 pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment. Initiate dialysis treatment according to orders (blood flow QB, dialysate flow QD). Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed. Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy. Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment as per procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access. Obtain hemostasis and apply dressings. Evaluate 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 UF goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed. Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., NVL 160). Document treatment data accurately on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet. Document all patient treatment information, including progress notes where applicable. Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor. Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks; report changes or unusual findings. Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and patient response. Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment (arterial/venous pressures) and document/report findings. Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens. Ensure blood spills are cleaned with appropriate disinfectant per policy. Prepare and organize supplies to prevent wastage. Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision. Staff Related: Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse. Education/Communication: Follow all organization policies and procedures; maintain environmental integrity and cleanliness; clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments. Complete pretreatment machine alarm testing (including PHT). Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system. Record Keeping: Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities; enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and nursing signatures; ensure omissions are corrected by appropriate staff; prepare initial charts for admission and office paperwork; prepare/print lab requisitions and collect/prepare lab specimens as required; ensure lab specimen collection by appropriate courier. Infection Control: Assist in infection control audits; support adherence to infection control practices; follow infection control policies and procedures; participate in infection control education for patients and families as directed. Transitional Care Unit: Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis; coordinate transitional dialysis care; reinforce education and care; liaise with staff to coordinate care; assist with home dialysis education, modality options, and supply/inventory management for TCU. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Describes typical activities in a health care setting; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Travel between facilities may be required. Work environment includes potential exposure to infectious materials; involves heavy lifting and moving of patients, standing for extended periods, and bending. May require assisting with lifting up to 40 lbs; two-person assist devices may be used. Education and Licenses High School diploma or GED required. CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline. All appropriate state licensure, education, and training as 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 contingent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification. Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. EOE, disability/veterans. Seniority level: Entry level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Health Care Provider Industries: Hospitals and Health Care Note: This description reflects responsibilities and requirements for the role and does not create a contractual obligation. #J-18808-Ljbffr