What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Care Technician position at Dialysis Center of Lincoln NE?
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Patient Care Technician’s are responsible for providing direct patient care to individuals undergoing dialysis treatments. This role involves preparing patients for dialysis, monitoring them during treatment, and ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the process. The PCT will work under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse.
PCT – Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must be at least 19 years of age.
- Previous healthcare experience, preferred.
- Must be “active” on the Nebraska Dialysis Patient Care Technician Registry.
- Obtain national certification as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) through the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) within 18 months of being newly hired.
- Basic Life Support BLS/CPR Certified, required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, additional duties may be assigned to employees)
- Patient Care (ongoing communication with licensed nursing staff is essential)
- Prepare patients for treatment by taking pretreatment vital signs, pretreatment weight and ensuring they are comfortable.
- Set up and operate hemodialysis machines, ensuring they are functioning correctly.
- Monitor patients during treatment, including checking vital signs and responding to any alarms or issues.
- Communicate pertinent patient data to Licensed Nurse for identification of nursing priorities of care and desired outcomes/goals.
- Document patient information and treatment details accurately and promptly.
- Incorporates cultural considerations into the plan/delivery of care as directed by a nurse.
- Re-enforces education for the patient and family to meet identified patient needs according to their abilities, preferences and readiness to learn.
- Strictly following HIPAA guidelines and maintain patient confidentiality.
- Appropriately utilize all safety equipment as defined by organizational policies and procedures (i.e. and Sharps, PPE).
- Ensure infection control and patient safety policies are followed.
- Accurately collects patient specimens according to policies and procedures.
- Respond to emergencies per policies and procedures.
- Machine Care
- Preparation of hemodialysis machines prior to the dialysis treatments.
- Appropriate and competent use of the hemodialysis machines during the dialysis treatments.
- Reporting machine malfunction to the Charge Nurse and Biomed in a timely manner.
- Assist in the cleaning and disinfection of dialysis equipment and treatment areas.
- Water-room Responsibilities (must pass Color Blind screening to perform)
- Knowledge and understanding of water-room components and the performance of water quality testing.
- Document and report any irregularities or issues identified during water quality testing to the appropriate personnel.
- Organization Expectations/Involvement
- Attendance at all staff meetings.
- Prompt and on time arrival for all scheduled shifts.
- Knowledge of Federal and State Regulations relating to relevant practice areas.
- Working as a team member and promoting a safe and positive work environment.
- Appropriate, Professional, Respectful, and Courteous verbal and written communication with patients, patients’ families and co-workers.
- Adherence to organizational policies and procedures to provide safe and quality dialysis treatments.
- Physical Requirements
- Ability to push and pull heavy medical equipment weighing up to 200 pounds daily.
- Able to verify visual and audio alarms.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds daily.
- Assist with ambulation, lifting and positioning in accordance with procedures, including the proper use of patient life devices and maintain good body mechanics.
- Possess full range of body motion and flexibility.