Patient Care Technician - PCT

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 Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that support the organization’s Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Patient Related

Education

• 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).

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 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 intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; document all relevant 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 pressure).
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Record pre- and post-dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) 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.
• Document information related to patient treatment, including completion of the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report significant information and/or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document the patient’s response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, and report findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure blood spills are 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 the RN.

Staff Related

• Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator to drive organization quality standards through education on ESRD regulatory and legal requirements and CQI practices.
• Provide developmental support to applicable clinical and facility staff.

Education/Communication

• Participate in implementing educational programs for PCT staff including contests and team-based programs.
• Assist in monitoring processes in the delivery of patient care through regular CQI activities.
• Follow all organization policies, procedures, and systems incorporated into…