Patient Care Technician

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the Inpatient Services Hemodialysis Health Care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients 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 patient care under the direct supervision of Hemodialysis Registered Nurse for assigned patient(s) in the dialysis suite in the acute setting; excluding Intensive Care Units.


* Responsible for reporting and documenting all new and unusual incidents, information, complaints, or problems to the RN.


* Promotes and assists in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment.

Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) Activities; including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FKC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).


* With documented competency and proficiency may set up and prime equipment as directed by the Fresenius Nurse for renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement and peritoneal dialysis therapies).



* Will be responsible for assuring the dialysis machine has been set up, tested and found to be safe for dialysis treatment in accordance with manufacturer instructions for use and company policy and procedures.



* Welcomes assigned patients and inquires as to their well-being since their last treatment.

Reports any complaints or observations to the FMCNA RN.


* Obtains necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight.

Reports unusual findings to FMCNA RN.


* Reports any difficulties in cannulation to FMCNA RN as permitted by state requirements; or unusual findings to FMCNA RN.


* Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to the patient treatment.

This information is documented appropriately in the individual patient record to include the hospital Electronic Medical System (EMS) and the Acute Care Electronic System (ACES).


* Responsible for calculating and entry of individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; Sodium (Na) modeling; and UF modeling as prescribed.


* Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled including narrow venous limits (NVL 160).


* Collects, labels specimens and ensures timely delivery to laboratory per facility policy.


* Evaluates intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician’s order or as directed by FMCNA RN.

Monitors patient’s response to dialysis therapy and report any unusual findings to FMCNA RN.


* Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion; performing all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment- documentation.
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