Patient Care Technician – PCT – Dialysis

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Health Care Team by providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients in the skilled nursing homes. Works under the supervision of a registered nurse in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Program (QAI) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction. Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and company policy and state specific requirements.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Care:

• Provides direct patient care for assigned patients in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Promptly arrives at the assigned patient's nursing location and inquires as to the patient's wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Prepares and tests all water and dialysis equipment according to established and approved policies and procedures, documenting all required elements of testing according to established policies and procedures.
• Actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).
• Records pre and post treatment observations, weight, and vital signs.
• Calculates and enters of individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, Sodium (Na) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed by the patient's physician; for review and approval by the Registered Nurse prior to treatment initiation.
• Performs vascular access cannulation, observing vascular access for patency, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and as allowed by state law.
• Administers Heparin in accordance with physician orders and as delegated under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and as allowed by state law.
• Monitors and assists with administration of treatment according to prescribed orders including dialysis treatment time, blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Observes patient and conducts machine safety checks according to policy and procedure.
• Observes the patients' vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures.
• Monitor the appropriate safety alarms are engaged during treatment including air detector, narrow venous limits (NVL) 160.
• Ensures appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including air detector, narrow venous limits (NVL) 160.
• Records accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Inquires about any intra-dialytic problems.
• Monitors patient's response to dialysis therapy.
• Provides interventions as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
• Obtains vital signs prior to termination treatment; performs all relevant functions necessary in preparation for the discontinuation of treatment and documents information.
• Discontinues dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
• Observes patient prior to termination of treatment and observes condition of the patient's access and standing & sitting blood pressure.
• Obtains homeostasis and applies appropriate dressing.
• Observes the patient after termination of the treatment.
• Accurately documents information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Obtains all prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for transport to Spectra laboratories as ordered by the patient's physician.
• Performs and documents role-specific interventions for unusual patient status and documents patient response to intervention under the supervision of an Registered Nurse.
• Reports any significant information, change in patient condition, or any other unusual findings directly to the nurse supervisor/Home Therapy Program Manager.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

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 the essential functions.
• Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that: Failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.
• 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 provide assistance. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to move, with assistance, machines and equipment of up to 200 lbs., and may lift chemical and water solutions of up to 30 lbs. up as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and material assist devices for the heavier items.
• 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 involves travel to and from Nursing Home facilities in a defined geographic location; valid driver's license is required.
  
  
  

EDUCATION:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Successful completion of a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis required.
• Successful completion of the Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Employee Training and Orientation Program.
• Successful completion of CPR certification required.
• Successful completion of dialysis certification as required.
  
  
  

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Minimum of two (2) years of Hemodialysis experienced required.
• Ability to assist in lifting patients and equipment.
• Ability to provide coverage at area facilities during times of short staffing or as required.
  
  
  

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.