Patient Care Technician- PCT

This position functions as part of the dialysis healthcare team, providing safe and effective hemodialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. You will be responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, patient care during treatment, and maintenance of a safe and clean working environment in compliance with organizational policies and federal and state regulations.

Responsibilities

Patient Care and Treatment

• Welcome assigned patients and assess their wellbeing since their last treatment
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and perform vascular access cannulation
• Administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law
• Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow settings
• Evaluate and provide intervention for intradialytic problems as prescribed by physician order or as directed by nursing staff
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform all functions necessary for treatment discontinuation
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings
• Calculate and enter individual patients' dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits
• Record accurate and timely vital signs and treatment parameters on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet
• Evaluate patients' vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous monitoring pressures
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection
• Report any significant information or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor
• Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status
• 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 the supervision of the RN

Machine and Environment Preparation

• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment
• Perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test
• Initiate Solution Delivery System

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely
• Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented
• Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile appropriate paperwork
• Prepare and print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare, and store lab samples according to laboratory 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 all infection control policies and procedures
• Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the care manager 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 for new patients, as allowed by state law
• Liaison with appropriate staff members to provide the best patient experience and ensure all disciplines are scheduled according to plan
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits, and options
• Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup
• Assist with coordination of transition to patient's modality choice
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the transitional care unit

Staff and Education

• Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse
• Follow all organizational 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

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

This position requires direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and coworkers may provide assistance. The position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the ability to bend over. You may occasionally be required to push and pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. You may be required to lift and lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 pounds and on an occasional basis up to 40 pounds, as high as five feet. A two-person assist program and material assist devices are available for heavier items.

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 healthcare facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. You may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases and materials.

Employees are required to take the Ishihara Color Blindness Test as a condition of employment. Failing the test does not preclude employment; the company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training as required
• Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program
• CPR certification
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility

Additional Requirements

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