Patient Care Technician - PCT

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. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean environment, and participation in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities.

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 since last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight, and perform vascular access evaluation pre‑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 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 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 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 on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Accurately document patient treatment information including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any change or unusual findings.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patient's response to intervention.
• Evaluate patient’s vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide intervention as needed, document, and report any unusual findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned 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 applicable 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 and perform all required pretreatment 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 in an accurate…