Patient care Technician - PCT

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Assist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures.
• 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.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
• 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 entry of 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 any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
• Report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, document and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitors patients performing self-care under the supervision of RN.
• Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics - ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate.
• Perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (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.

Skills

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions. 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 health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.