Patient Care Technician - PCT

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the 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 visual supervision of a Registered Nurse (FMCNA RN) or in a treatment room immediately adjacent to an RN.

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 FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).  


*  Promotes and assists in meeting Total Area Productivity goals (TAP).


* 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).


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

Reports any complaints or observations to the FMCNA RN.


* Evaluates vascular access for patency and reports any unusual findings to FMCNA RN.


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

Reports unusual findings to FMCNA RN.


*  (Stated above)Performs vascular access cannulation and reports any difficulties in cannulation or unusual findings to FMCNA RN.


* 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).


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


* Initiates renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders including setting blood flow rate (QB) and dialysate flow rate (QD) or peritoneal dialysis as prescribed by the attending nephrologist.


* 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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