Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT

Fresenius Medical Care is seeking a Patient Care Technician (PCT) to provide direct patient care in the acute inpatient hemodialysis setting. You will work as part of the hemodialysis healthcare team under the supervision of the Fresenius RN, delivering safe and effective dialysis therapy in compliance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their well-being since their last treatment, reporting any complaints or observations to the RN
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and report any unusual findings
• Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight, reporting unusual findings to the RN
• Perform vascular access cannulation and report any difficulties or unusual findings
• Calculate and enter individual patient dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, sodium (Na) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including narrow venous limits (NVL 160)
• Record accurate and timely vital signs and treatment parameters on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification
• Initiate renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders, including setting blood flow rate (QB) and dialysate flow rate (QD) or peritoneal dialysis as prescribed by the attending nephrologist
• Collect, label specimens, and ensure timely delivery to the laboratory per facility policy
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed by the RN
• Monitor patient response to dialysis therapy and report any unusual findings
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform all relevant functions necessary for treatment discontinuation and documentation
• Evaluate patients' vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, and provide appropriate intervention as needed
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures
• Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge
• Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification
• Promote and assist in maintaining a safe and clean working environment
• Support quality enhancement and quality assessment activities, including those related to patient satisfaction
• Actively participate in process improvement activities
• Promote and assist in meeting Total Area Productivity (TAP) goals
• With documented competency and proficiency, set up and prime equipment as directed by the Fresenius Nurse for renal replacement therapies
• Perform other duties as required

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training as required
• 1 to 2 years of related experience

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work, interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians
• Travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community may be required
• Travel to meetings may be required
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases and materials
• Position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation
• Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the ability to bend over
• May occasionally be required to assist in moving machines and equipment up to 200 lbs. and may lift chemical and water solutions up to 30 lbs. as high as 5 feet
• A two-person assist program and material assist devices are available for heavier items
• Equipment aids and coworkers may provide assistance