Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Supports mission, core values, expected behaviors and customer service philosophy. Adheres to all regulatory and policy and procedure requirements. Functions as a part of the hemodialysis health care team as a CCHT to ensure provision of quality patient care on a dialysis basis in accordance with policies, procedures and training. Supports the commitment to the Quality Enhancement program and CQI Activities including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhances the likelihood that patients will achieve the Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP). Adheres to all requirements of the Compliances Program, and patient care and administrative policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Patient Care:
  • Responsible for driving the culture through values and customer services standards
  • Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers
  • Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.
  • Demonstrates applicable knowledge of the policies and procedures of providing patient care, including the patient's treatment, water treatment and emergency procedures
  • Delivers age specific care to assigned patients as prescribed, including all aspects of the hemodialysis procedure specifically trained to perform in accordance to state licensure
  • Demonstrates ability to work with any patient or staff regardless of race, gender, disease process, life-style, religious or cultural beliefs or treatment
  • Initiates, monitors and discontinues dialysis treatments according to established procedures
  • Develops and assimilates theoretical and technical knowledge with observation and communication skills to detect dialysis and non-dialysis related problems
  • Utilizes knowledge to establish priorities of care, both emergency and non-emergency; administers medical treatment accordingly and documents all pertinent information
  • Recognizes and utilizes opportunities to reinforce previous education of the patient and family under the direction of an RN
• Maintenance & Technical
  • Maintains a safe environment for self, patients, and staff by utilizing proper body mechanics and following universal infection control precautions and cleaning procedures under OSHA regulations
  • Performs hemodialysis access care according to established procedures, under the direction of the RN
  • Assist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate
  • Administers and documents the administrations of saline, lidocaine, and heparin, under the direction of a RN as authorized by a physician and as further authorized or limited by the State Board of Nursing Practice
  • Reports any significant observations, information, or change in patient condition to RN
  • Obtains blood samples and other specimens as ordered
  • Assists in maintaining neat, orderly and well stocked unit
  • Maintains competency in operations, sanitation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment used for dialysis, water treatment and special procedures
  • Actively participates with the supervisor and Biomed in the care, routine cleaning and use of equipment
• Clerical & Administrative:
  • Documents clearly, completely and accurately all pertinent information on patient's manual and/or electronic record
  • Participates in assisting the RN in formulating nursing care plans including long and short term goals, according to established guidelines
  • Performs or assists in the performance of all emergency operational procedures, including the evacuation of patients in the event of fire and/or disaster
  • Assists in orientation and training of new and existing staff under the direction of an RN
  • Assists in CQI projects with the health care team
  • Reports all equipment, supply problems, new and unusual incidents, information and complaints appropriately and according to policy to supervisor/biomedical support staff
  • Communicates effectively with physicians, supervisors, co-workers, patients and families
  • Maintain positive working relationships with Medical Director/Medical staff
  • Actively participates in unit staff meetings and in services
  • Cooperates/assists the Unit Manager in staff scheduling, including rotation to ensure adequate coverage
  • Promotes, supports and adheres to all policies outlined in the Employee handbook
  • Completes all clinical and corporate training programs as appropriate to successfully master ESRD patient care for Hemodialysis
  • Acquires information on the latest developments of dialysis technique by participating in scheduled in service classes
  • Seeks resources for direction when necessary
  • Acts as a resource for other staff members with their scope of practice
• Perform additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assisting with ambulation.
• Ability to push, pull, mobilizes (with assistance of wheels, cars and other equipment) approximately 200 lbs.
• Talking and listening to communicate ideas or requirements to individual staff members.
• Visual acuity to prepare and read written material accurately.
• Audio acuity to listen attentively and accurately.
• Employee must be able to pass the Ishihara's Color Blindness test

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.)
• 2 years of dialysis training required
• Hemodialysis experience desirable

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• Center for Medicaid Medicare services (CMS) approved state and or national certification required
• Ability to obtain a PCT certification through State of Nebraska
• Ability to further obtain CCHT certification/license within 18 months of first date of employment
• CPR certification required
• Driver's license required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and/or ABILITIES:

• Employee must be dependable and reliable
• Computer knowledge desirable.

Must pass background check, physical, and pre-employment drug screen.