Patient Care Technician - PCT

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.   Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Program (QAI) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction.  Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy.  Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and company policy and state specific requirements.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Care:

• Provides direct patient care for assigned patients in accordance with physician orders and state nurse practice laws under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

• Promptly arrives at the assigned patient's nursing location and inquires as to the patient's wellbeing since their last treatment.

• Prepares and tests all water and dialysis equipment according to established and approved policies and procedures, documenting all required elements of testing according to established policies and procedures.

• Actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

• Records pre and post treatment observations, weight, and vital signs.

• Calculates and enters of individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, Sodium (Na) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed by the patient's physician; for review and approval by the Registered Nurse prior to treatment initiation.

• 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.

• Observes the patients' vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures.

• Monitor the appropriate safety alarms are engaged during treatment including air detector, narrow venous limits (NVL) 160.

• Ensures appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including air detector, narrow venous limits (NVL) 160.

• Records accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.

• Inquires about any intra-dialytic problems.

• Monitors patient's response to dialysis therapy.

• Provides interventions as prescribed by physician order or as directed.

• Obtains vital signs prior to termination treatment; performs all relevant functions necessary in preparation for the discontinuation of treatment and documents information.

• Discontinues dialysis treatment according to established procedures.

• Observes patient prior to termination of treatment and observes condition of the patient's access and standing & sitting blood pressure.

• Obtains homeostasis and applies appropriate dressing.  

• Observes the patient after termination of the treatment.

• Accurately documents information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.

• Obtains all prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for transport to Spectra laboratories as ordered by the patient's physician.

• Performs and documents role-specific interventions for unusual patient status and documents patient response to intervention under the supervision of an Registered Nurse.

• Reports any significant information, change in patient condition, or any other unusual findings directly to the nurse supervisor/Home Therapy Program Manager. 

• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.

• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.

• Other duties as assigned.

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.