Patient Care Technician - PCT

Overview Join to apply for the Patient Care Technician - PCT role at Fresenius Medical Care Note: This description consolidates content from the original posting and removes duplicates and non-essential metadata such as application recency indicators. 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 organization, 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 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, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling, and 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 perform administration of 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 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 and 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. Document progress notes as applicable. Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor. Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor. Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document patient responses. Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment and document/report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor. Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection. Ensure blood spills are 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 the supervision of a RN. Staff Related Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse. Education/Communication Follows all organization 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 surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy. Prepare for dialysis treatment, document where appropriate, and perform pretreatment machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT). Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system. 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 the chart. Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens and collect, label, and store lab samples according to required specifications. Ensure collection of lab specimens 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 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care. Reinforce education and care matters related to new patients as allowed by state law. Coordinate with FKC staff to ensure the best patient experience, scheduling disciplines as planned. Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits of home dialysis. Set and perform treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit. Assist in understanding treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup. Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice. Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Health care facility environment with possible exposure to infectious materials; requires physical activity including lifting, standing, bending, and occasional pushing/pulling of equipment. Education and Licenses High School diploma or G.E.D. required. 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 is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification. Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. EOE, disability/veterans EOE, disability/veterans #J-18808-Ljbffr