Patient Care Technician - PCT - FRESENIUS : Job Details

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. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization 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 Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Patient Related

• Assist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate.
• 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 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 and dialysate flow.
• 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.
• Responsible for calculating and entry of individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration goal; treatment time; and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment.
• Report 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.
• 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.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitors patients performing self-care under the supervision of RN.

Staff Related

• Assists in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs.

Education/Communication

• Follows all organization business policies, procedures, and systems incorporated into training.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment.
• Initiate Solution Delivery System system.

Record Keeping

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Enters all treatment data into the designated clinical application.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat Lab specimens.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples.
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.

Infection Control

• Assists in collecting information for infection control audits.
• Supports staff and patient Adherence to infection control practices.
• Follows infection control Policies and Procedures.
• Participates in and reinforces infection control education of patients and families.

Transitional Care Unit

• Follows all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
• Reinforces all education and care related matters.
• Liaisons with appropriate FKC staff members.
• Assists in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products.
• Sets and performs a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assists in assuring patient understanding of treatment options.
• Assists with coordination of transition to patient's modality choice.
• Assists with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• 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.
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels.
• The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation.
• The employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment.

Education and Licenses

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, 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.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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