Patient Care Technician- PCT

Purpose and Scope

Functions as part of the Inpatient Services Hemodialysis Health Care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

• Provides patient care under the direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse the FKC RN for assigned patient(s) in the dialysis suite in the acute setting.
• Responsible for reporting and documenting all new and unusual incidents, information, complaints, or problems to the RN.
• Promote and assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment and supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FKC Quality Enhancement Goals.
• With documented competency and proficiency may set up and prime equipment as directed by the Fresenius Nurse for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement and peritoneal dialysis therapies).
• Ensures the dialysis machine is set up, tested and found to be safe for dialysis treatment in accordance with manufacturer instructions for use and company policy and procedures.
• Welcomes assigned patients and inquires as to their well‑being since their last treatment and reports any complaints or observations to the FMCNA RN.
• Obtains necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight and reports unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Reports any difficulties in cannulation to FMCNA RN as permitted by state requirements or unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Accurately documents information related to patient treatment in the patient record, including the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS) and the Acute Care Electronic System (ACES).
• Calculates and enters individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, Sodium (Na) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Ensures appropriate safety alarms are enabled including narrow venous limits (NVL 160).
• Collects, labels specimens and ensures timely delivery to laboratory per facility policy.
• Evaluates intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician's order or as directed by FMCNA RN; monitors patient’s response to dialysis therapy and reports any unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion; performs all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment and documentation.
• Reports any changes or unusual findings to FMCNA RN.
• Evaluates patient prior to termination of venous access – standing and sitting blood pressures prior to termination of venous access; obtains hemostasis and applies appropriate dressings; evaluates the patient prior to discharge and reports any unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
• Reviews and complies with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Assists with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor or supervising RN.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations (see applicable addendum for department or location specific functions).

• Day‑to‑day work includes personal computer work while standing and sitting, interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
• Requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.
• 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.
• Provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation; equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance.
• Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend…