Patient Care Technician - PCT

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

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, and support the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities that enhance patient satisfaction and quality goals.

• Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate – Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and disease process/access.
• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, weight, and perform vascular access evaluation before treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment – document.
• Discontinue dialysis according to established procedures, evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access – include standing & sitting blood pressure.
• 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 patient identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with patient identification.
• Accurately document patient treatment information, including completion of the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant information or changes in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patients, conduct machine safety checks, and report any changes or unusual findings.
• Document and report any intervention for unusual patient status and the patient’s response.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous pressures, and provide appropriate intervention.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory tests and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure immediate cleaning of all blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
• Organize and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.

• Follow all organization business policies, procedures, and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments per facility policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for dialysis preparation and perform all required pretreatment machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

• Complete and document ongoing participation in continuous quality improvement activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately…