Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

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, 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’s commitment to quality improvement and participates in process improvement activities related to patient satisfaction and quality enhancement goals.

• Assist other health care members in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate (Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling) and disease process/access.

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about 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 pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; 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 interventions as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
• Monitor patient response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; document and perform all functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access (standing and sitting blood pressures).
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge and perform 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 appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including NVL 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Document treatment information, progress notes as applicable, and ensure completion of the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks per facility policy; report any changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Document interventions for unusual patient status and patient response to intervention.
• Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, provide interventions as needed, and report any findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Collect all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure blood spills are cleaned immediately with appropriate disinfectant per facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

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

• Follow all organization policies, procedures, and systems, including ethics.

• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments per facility policy.
• Prepare for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and document accordingly.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and correct omitted entries.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate chart placement.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens and collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples per laboratory specifications.
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.

• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
• Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
• Follow infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.

• Follow all newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and…