Dialysis Patient Care Technician

Under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse, assists with providing care and delegated activities of treatment to patients with renal failure. Performs duties as assigned by the Charge Nurse and Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Assist with clinical and operational processes to improve patient health and minimize hospitalizations and missed treatments.
• Demonstrate effective use of supplies and staff labor hours.
• Perform duties as assigned to meet the patient care or operational needs of the clinic.
• Obtain blood samples for laboratory analysis as required to complete physician orders.
• May reinforce patient education as needed under the direction of the Administrator or Registered Nurse.
• Assist with program’s target goals for patient outcomes in accordance with quality patient care and Company goals.
• Knowledge of and comply with applicable health care professionals practice act requirements.
• Perform duties at all times under the supervision of a Charge Nurse and within limitations established by company policy and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Use appropriate safety measures including personal protective equipment as necessary.
• Clean, disinfect, and rinse dialysis machines in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Prepare machines for hemodialysis treatments.
• Verify/respond to visual and audio alarms on machines; troubleshoot machine alarms as appropriate.
• Remove disposables and clean station after each treatment.
• May be required to clean isolation room post treatment if applicable.
• Be familiar with emergency equipment and all emergency operational procedures.
• Obtain pre and post treatment weights of patients per protocols.
• Safely initiate and terminate dialysis treatments per center protocol, and within scope of practice and as allowed by state regulations.
• Monitor patients during dialysis treatments.
• Mix acids and bicarbonate according to protocol.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment.
• Stock hemodialysis carts and help maintain supply room.
• Complete water testing on dialysis machine at the beginning of each treatment day and as directed by the Administrator.
• Complete/document quality control logs throughout the day and after all treatments, as required.
• Take vital signs per protocol during patient treatment and document on treatment record as required.
• Report any significant information or change in patient condition to the Charge Nurse.
• Report machine problems to Biomedical Technician and Administrator.
• Actively promote GUEST customer service standards; develop effective relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Participate in staff meetings as required.
• Attend in-service and continuing education offerings in compliance with company policy and procedure.
• Assist with staff training as requested.
• Participate in team concepts and promote a team effort; perform duties in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• CPR certification required within 90 days of hire or as required by the state.
• Confirmation of ability to distinguish all primary colors.
• Prefer a minimum of 3 months in dialysis healthcare or phlebotomy experience or CNA experience.
• Must be certified under a State certification program or a national commercially available certification program within 18 months of hire date as Patient Care Technician.
• Time employed as a Patient Care Technician prior to employment with USRC will count towards the 18-month deadline for certification, unless a gap in employment as a Patient Care Technician is more than 18 months.
• Certification must be maintained as current and in good standing.
• Successful completion of USRC training program approved by the Medical Director, including demonstrated competency, within 8 weeks of hire.
• Successful completion of USRC training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis within 8 weeks of hire.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the English language and ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must have basic computer skills; proficiency in all USRC clinical applications required within 90 days of hire.
• Must be able to organize time and tasks well.
• Use of problem solving, analytical ability, effective communication, and confidentiality.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work with patients, staff, and all other individuals as required.
• Multi-task in an efficient, professional, and calm manner.

Work Environment

• Noise level in the typical work environment is moderate due to the number of staff in business office area and staff/patients/equipment in patient care areas.
• Exposure to chemicals used within the facility (Renalin, Bleach, and Acidified Concentrate; refer to MSDS for other chemicals used within the facility).
• Exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (ongoing training provided for employee safety).

Physical Demands

• Standing/Walking: Constant (67-100%)
• Sitting: Occasional (1-33%)
• Twisting: Frequent (34-66%)
• Lifting/Carrying: Frequent (34-66%)
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequent (34-66%)
• Climbing: Occasional (1-33%)
• Bending/Stooping: Frequent (34-66%)
• Finger/Hand Dexterity; Grasp; Write, Type, and Manipulate Controls: Constant (67-100%)

Lifting Frequency 2-10 lbs Frequent (34-66%) 11-20 lbs Frequent (34-66%) 21-30 lbs Occasional (1-33%) 31-40 lbs Occasional (1-33%) 41-50 lbs Occasional (1-33%) 51+ lbs Occasional (1-33%)

• Environmental conditions include hot, cold, wet surroundings, outdoors, with or near chemicals, near radiation, and exposure to bodily fluids and blood-borne pathogens.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas and understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices.