Patient Care Technician - PCT

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 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
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings
• Calculate and enter individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling
• Ensure 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
• Document information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes
• Report significant information and/or change in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection
• Clean blood spills immediately 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 RN
• Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments
• Perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT)
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system
• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples
• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits
• Follow infection control policies and procedures
• Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and treatment options
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. The 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. The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. May occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. May be required to lift and lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet.