Patient Care Technician - PCT

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including all regulatory and FMS policy requirements.

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with FMCNA 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, and for maintaining a safe and clean working environment.

Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

• Responsible for driving the FMS culture through values and customer service standards.
• Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.
• Takes initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.

• 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.
• Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their well-being since their last treatment. Report any complaints or observations to the nurse supervisor.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and report any unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight. Report unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment and report unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Perform vascular access cannulation and report any difficulties in cannulation or unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Perform administration of Heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
• 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 as directed.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy and report any unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment – document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
• Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access – standing & sitting blood pressure.
• Obtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge and report any unusual findings to nurse supervisor.
• Perform and record pre and post dialysis evaluation weight and vital signs with initial identification.
• Responsible for calculating and entering individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time;
  Sodium (Na) modeling; and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Responsible for ensuring 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 initial identification.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the nurse supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy. Report any change or unusual findings to the nurse supervisor.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients' vascular access…