Patient Care Technician

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines and assists in maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related

Education:

• Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures and disease process/access.

Treatment:

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as permitted.
• Obtain vital signs and weight pre and post-treatment, and perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment per prescribed orders.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy and intervene as necessary.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment per established procedures and evaluate the patient prior to termination of venous access.
• Record accurate information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters.
• Report any significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled on dialysis machines.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

• Assist in training direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.

Education/Communication:

• Follow organization policies and procedures, ensuring environmental integrity.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and areas according to facility policy.

Record Keeping:

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and maintain accurate records in clinical applications.
• Prepare initial patient charts for admission and manage lab requisitions.

Infection Control:

• Assist in infection control audits and reinforce adherence to infection control practices.

Transitional Care Unit:

• Oversee newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis, coordinating care and education.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• The role involves desk work, patient interaction, and travel between facilities. It includes heavy lifting and moving patients, requiring standing and bending.

Education and Licenses:

• High School diploma or GED required. Must meet CMS-approved certification requirements.

Experience and Required Skills:

• Previous patient care experience preferred. Employment depends on completion of dialysis training and CPR certification.

• Paid Training - Willing to Train
• Shift: Rotating; 3, 12-hour/week