Patient Care Technician - PCT

Overview

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.

Supports the organization 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 organization Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

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 as to their wellbeing since their last treatment; evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed 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; monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy; obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and document; discontinue dialysis treatment and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access; obtain hemostasis and apply 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 UF goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed; ensure safety alarms are enabled (including NVL 160); document accurately on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet; report any significant information or change in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor; observe patient and conduct machine safety checks and report changes; perform interventions for unusual patient status and document response;
  
  evaluate vascular access during treatment and document/report any unusual findings; obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens; ensure blood spills are cleaned with appropriate disinfectant; prepare, organize, and utilize supplies to prevent wastage; monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

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

Education/Communication

• Follows all organization policies, procedures and systems; complies with ethical business practices.

• Maintains environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensures all areas are safe and clean.

• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.

• Conducts pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT) and initiates Solution Delivery System (SDS).

Record Keeping

• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and enters all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.

• Reviews treatment sheets for completeness, ensures nursing signatures are documented, and addresses omitted entries with appropriate staff; prepares initial patient chart for admission and compiles paperwork for chart placement.

• Prepares/prints lab requisitions and collects, labels, and stores lab specimens according to requirements; ensures collection of lab specimens by the appropriate lab courier.

Infection Control

• Assists in infection control audits and supports adherence to infection control practices; follows infection control policies and procedures; participates in…