Patient Care Technician

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with FMCNA 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 FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities including those related to patient satisfaction and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Education:


* Assist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate - Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC) Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP) Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM) and regarding disease process/access.

Patient Treatment:


* Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their well-being since their last treatment.


* Evaluate vascular access for patency.


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


* Perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.


* Perform vascular access cannulation.


* Perform administration of Heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.


* 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; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment - document.


* Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures.


* Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access - standing & sitting blood pressure.


* Obtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.


* Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.


* Perform and record Pre and Post dialysis evaluation weight and vital signs with initial identification.


* 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.


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


* Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and if applicable progress notes.


* Report any significan...