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, training, and compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, assisting in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, supporting the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participating in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization Quality Enhancement Goals.

Patient Related

Education:

• 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 regarding disease process/access.

Treatment:

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated.
• Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, weight, and perform vascular access evaluation.
• 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.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions for discontinuation of treatment and document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access – 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 initial 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.
• Document patient treatment information, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes.
• Report any significant change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any changes or unusual findings.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status; document response.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous pressures; provide appropriate intervention and report findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Clean all blood spills with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under the supervision of RN.

Staff Related:

• Assist in training of direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.

Education/Communication:

• 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 according to facility policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

Record Keeping:

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)…