Patient Care Technician

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse under organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Assists in the setup of home dialysis equipment and the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment within the home therapy program. Supports the organization's 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 organization's Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

All duties and responsibilities of the PCT II HT are to be performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), in compliance with, and as permissible per state laws, regulations, and policies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Home Assist):

• Reinforces home hemodialysis (HHD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law.
• Identifies and welcomes patients, obtains vital signs, weights, and gathers information needed to complete the Clinic Visit Intake form.
• Builds and maintains strong communication and collaboration processes and rapport with patients, care partners, the HT RN, direct and non-direct patient care staff, providers, and other team members.
• Obtains treatment records from patients and/or systems, reviews for completion, and reports missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
• Assists with electronic home treatment/medication/oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and reports missing data/orders to the HT RN.
• May assist HT RNs with home visits.
• Provides home support as applicable and permissible.
• Prepares supplies for the collection of prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for shipping.
• Assists with the tracking and shipping of transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforces transplant education.
• Completes opening/closing daily chores and documents as appropriate.
• Disinfects dialysis machines, chairs, tables, and other equipment in between patient visits, and routinely.
• Prepares the exam/training room for home dialysis training, treatment, or other visits.
• Stocks exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms with supplies.
• Develops or follows a process for the management of supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
• Schedules patient appointments and contacts patients/caregivers regarding dates, times, and reminders.
• Supports patient registration and use of connected health.
• Assists patients and care partners with supplies/inventory ordering and management.
• Maintains logs and tracking.
• May order and track clinic/office supplies, as directed.
• Participates in medical records, infection control, and other audit processes as directed.
• Actively collaborates with others during staff huddles or meetings.
• Helps collect required documentation for patient admission, prepares and maintains the electronic and/or hard-copy patient chart, as directed.
• Performs other clerical duties, as assigned (answering phones, faxing, email, provider office contact, etc.).

Home Hemodialysis

• Reinforces HHD training. 

• Sets up, tears down, programs, tests, and disinfects the HHD machine, as directed.
• Troubleshoots HHD Machinery/tools and connectivity issues.
• Prepares dialysate for use, as directed.

• Prepares dialysis supplies for HHD treatment according to standing/provider orders.
• Evaluates the dialysis access before treatment, documents all findings in the medical record, and reports abnormal findings to the HT RN.
• Initiates HHD treatment, while monitoring and documenting patient status, vital signs, and machine data in the treatment record.
• Performs and documents safety checks during treatment at intervals designated by CMS and facility policy.
• Reports observed significant changes in patient status during treatment to the HT RN, and documents in the medical record.
• Provides interventions during treatment in response to interdialytic events, and documents in the medical record, as directed and permissible.
• Obtains pre-treatment termination vitals and documents in the treatment record.
• Ensures hemostasis of the patient dialysis access is achieved before leaving the treatment area. 
• Collects and documents post-treatment vitals in the treatment record and reports to the HT RN.
• Assists with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Reinforces PD training.
• Troubleshoots PD cycler, modem, and connectivity issues.

• Performs phlebotomy to obtain prescribed laboratory testing, as directed (must meet state and/or competency requirements to perform).
• Sets up PD cycler and prepares and warms PD solutions, as directed.
• Assists with exit site care, as directed.
• May help with tracking of PD equipment.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Staff Related

• Participates in the recruitment process for new clinical staff.
• Assists with clinical orientation and supports ongoing training of all appropriate home therapies direct patient care personnel as well as the orientation of all facility staff to the organization.
• Partners with all IDT members, including Kidney Care Advocates, administrative staff, and others in developing ideas to improve awareness of Home Therapies for in-center staff and patients.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Employees are required to take Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note: failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.
• Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
• The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials
• The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may assist. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and lower solutions frequently of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist” devices for heavier items.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.

• Must have a valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS).
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• At least two years of previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.

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