Patient Care Technician - PCT

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse under organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Assists in the setup of home dialysis equipment and the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment within the home therapy program. 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's Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reinforces home hemodialysis (HHD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law.
• Identifies and welcomes patients, obtains vital signs, weights, and gathers information needed to complete the Clinic Visit Intake form.
• Buils and maintains strong communication and collaboration processes and rapport with patients, care partners, the HT RN, direct and non-direct patient care staff, providers, and other team members.
• Obtains treatment records from patients and/or systems, reviews for completion, and reports missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
• Aids in electronic home treatment/medication/oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and reports missing data/orders to the HT RN.
• May assist HT RNs with home visits.
• 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's Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND 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 essential functions.

Employees are required to take Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note: failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made. 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

The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may assist. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and lower solutions frequently of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist” devices for heavier items.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet Centers for Medicaid and 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 organizational mission, culture, core values, and customer service standards.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED 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.