Patient Care Technician PCT Dialysis

Unclassified - Jonesboro, GA

Full-time - Entry Level

Jonesboro, GA

About the position

The position functions as a vital part of the dialysis healthcare team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This role adheres to organizational policies, procedures, and training while complying with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. The primary responsibility includes the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, ensuring a safe and clean working environment, and supporting the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. The individual will actively participate in process improvement activities aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction and achieving the organization's Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP). In terms of patient-related education, the role involves assisting other healthcare team members in providing detailed education to patients regarding adequacy measures, including Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), and Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM). The position requires welcoming assigned patients, evaluating their vascular access for patency, performing cannulation, administering heparin as delegated, and monitoring patients' responses to dialysis therapy. The individual will also be responsible for documenting vital signs, treatment parameters, and any significant changes in patient conditions, ensuring accurate and timely information is recorded on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet. The role also encompasses responsibilities related to infection control, including assisting in infection control audits and reinforcing education on infection control practices for patients and families. The individual will follow all policies and procedures related to infection control and participate in the education of patients under the direction of the Care Manager or designee. Additionally, the position involves following newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, coordinating their transitional care, and assisting with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit (TCU).

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures and disease processes.
• Welcome assigned patients and evaluate their wellbeing since the last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and perform vascular access cannulation.
• Administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy and document relevant functions necessary for treatment discontinuation.
• Perform and document pre and post-dialysis evaluations, including weight and vital signs.
• Calculate and enter individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goals and treatment time.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled on dialysis machines.
• Document all patient treatment information accurately and timely.
• Report any significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Conduct machine safety checks and report any unusual findings.
• Prepare and organize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Assist in training direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics by ensuring all areas are clean and safe.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and document participation.
• Collect, label, and prepare lab specimens according to specifications.
• Assist in infection control audits and reinforce infection control education for patients and families.
• Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional care.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training required.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a healthcare setting with direct patient care responsibilities.
• Knowledge of dialysis treatment processes and equipment.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Dental insurance coverage.
• Vision insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement for further education.
• Professional development opportunities.