Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care • Fayetteville, NY

22h • Onsite

About The Position

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 assisting in maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement. This is a preceptor position requiring dialysis experience and CCHT/Bonent certification.

Requirements

• CCHT / Bonent Certification Required
• Dialysis Experience Required
• High School diploma or its equivalent required
• Must have a valid PCT national certification or state specific certification as defined by Center for Medicaid/Medicare (CMS)
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards
• Attendance and active participation in all applicable preceptor training programs as established by education leadership
• Attends Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by Clinical Manager.
• At least five years patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

• 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 in accordance with organization 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 organization 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 Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Responsibilities

• Assist other health care members in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures, disease process, and access.
• Welcome assigned patients, inquire about their wellbeing, and evaluate vascular access for patency.
• Perform vascular access cannulation and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain pre and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders.
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
• Evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record pre and post dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and program individual patients’ dialysis machine settings for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Document information related to patient treatment, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes.
• Report any significant information or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, provide appropriate intervention, and report any unusual findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectants.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of RN and assist as applicable.
• Participate in the recruitment process for new clinical staff.
• Assist with clinical orientation and on-going training of direct patient care personnel and all facility staff.
• Function as a preceptor in direct patient care training to support the delivery of quality patient care.
• Deliver and maintain on-going competency evaluations/audits for other PCTs.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator in driving organization quality standards through education regarding ESRD regulatory and legal requirements and Continuous Quality Improvement.
• Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
• Provide developmental support to applicable clinical and facility staff.
• Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel regarding the integrity and safety of facility water systems.
• Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel regarding the maintenance of environmental integrity, including patient and staff safety.
• Ensure a strong communication process between Clinical Managers, Education Coordinators, direct patient care staff, and support staff regarding training and organizational development programs.
• Participate in implementing and potentially designing creative educational programs for PCT staff.
• Collaborate with Clinical Managers and Education Coordinators in scheduling and implementing training programs.
• Monitor processes in the delivery of patient care through regular Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Ensure all organization business policies, procedures, and systems are incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics - ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and perform all required pre-treatment dialysis machine alarm testing.
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat Lab specimens.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
• Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
• Act as a change agent for infection control practices within the clinic.
• Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
• Reinforce new hire employee adherence to infection control Policies and Procedures.
• Support ongoing staff and patient engagement on infection control practices.
• Reinforce patient and staff adherence to infection control Policies and Procedures through visual media.
• Participate in education response to internal and external facility surveys.
• Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families.
• Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce all education and care related matters for new patients.
• Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience.
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits of home, and how home dialysis can work for them.
• Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options including demonstration of the peritoneal dialysis set-up.
• Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

Benefits

• The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills, and competencies. Hourly Rate: $18.00 - $29.00

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED