Patient Care Technician, PCT CCHT

About the Role

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. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines and maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Related Education:
• Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures, disease process/access.
• Treatment:
• Welcome patients and inquire about their well-being.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated.
• Obtain pre and post treatment vital signs and weight.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders.
• Evaluate and provide intervention for intradialytic problems.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and discontinue treatment.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record pre and post dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs.
• Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL), 160.
• Record vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Document patient treatment information, including progress notes.
• Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks.
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, and provide intervention.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens.
• Clean blood spills according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and utilize supplies and equipment efficiently.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
• Follow all organization business policies and procedures.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
• Perform required pre-treatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure documentation is completed or corrected.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions and collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples.
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
• Infection Control:
• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
• Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
• Follow infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in and reinforce infection control education for patients and families.
• Transitional Care Unit:
• Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
• Reinforce education and care related matters for new patients.
• Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience.
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits.
• Set and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
• Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Area Float To 10 Clinics
• CHT Required
• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program is dependent on continued employment.
• Successful completion of CPR certification is dependent on continued employment.
• Must take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Failing this test does not preclude employment, and the company will consider accommodations.
• Includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians.
• Requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.
• Travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.
• Regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation.
• Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing.
• Must be able to bend over.
• May occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force.
• May be required to lift and lower solutions up to 30 lbs frequently, and up to 40 lbs occasionally, as high as 5 feet.
• Two-person assist program and "material assist” devices are available for heavier items.
• 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.

Qualifications

• CHT Required
• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program.
• Successful completion of CPR certification.