Patient Care Technician - PCT - Skilled Nursing Facility - Dialysis

Purpose and Scope

Functions as part of the Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Health Care Team by providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients in the skilled nursing homes. Works under the supervision of a registered nurse in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care for assigned patients in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Prepares and tests all water and dialysis equipment according to established and approved policies and procedures, documenting all required elements of testing.
• Records pre and post treatment observations, weight, and vital signs.
• Calculates and enters individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, Sodium (Na) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed by the patient's physician.
• Performs vascular access cannulation, observing vascular access for patency, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and as allowed by state law.
• Administers Heparin in accordance with physician orders and as delegated under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and as allowed by state law.
• Monitors and assists with administration of treatment according to prescribed orders including dialysis treatment time, blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Observes patient and conducts machine safety checks according to policy and procedure.
• Records accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Discontinues dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
• Obtains all prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for transport to Spectra laboratories as ordered by the patient's physician.
• Reports any significant information, change in patient condition, or any other unusual findings directly to the nurse supervisor/Home Therapy Program Manager.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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 move, with assistance, machines and equipment of up to 200 lbs., and may lift chemical and water solutions of up to 30 lbs. up as high as 5 feet. 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 involves travel to and from Nursing Home facilities in a defined geographic location; valid driver's license is required.

Education

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Successful completion of a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis required.
• Successful completion of the Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Employee Training and Orientation Program.
• Successful completion of CPR certification required.
• Successful completion of dialysis certification as required.

Experience and Required Skills

• Minimum of two (2) years of Hemodialysis experience required.
• Ability to assist in lifting patients and equipment.
• Ability to provide coverage at area facilities during times of short staffing or as required.