Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT - Dialysis

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 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 detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate.
• Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and perform administration of heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment - document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
• Obtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record Pre and Post dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Responsible for calculating and entry of individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Responsible for accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient 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 including arterial and venous monitoring pressures.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitors patients performing self-care under the supervision of RN.
• Participates in the recruitment process for new clinical staff.
• Assists with clinical orientation and on-going training of all appropriate direct patient care personnel.
• Will function as a preceptor in direct patient care training.
• Delivers and maintains on-going competency evaluations/audits to ensure ongoing performance of other PCT's.
• Collaborates with the Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator in driving organization quality standards through education.
• Partners with RN and IDT staff to educate the appropriate personnel regarding the integrity and safety of the facility water systems.
• Ensures a strong communication process between the Clinical Managers, Education Coordinators, direct patient care staff, and all support staff.
• Participates in implementing and potentially designs creative educational programs for PCT staff.
• Monitors processes in the delivery of patient care through regular Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• 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.
• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Enters all treatment data into the designated clinical application in an accurate and timely manner.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples according required laboratory specifications.
• Assists with facility QAI infection control audits.
• Follows all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinating their transitional dialysis care.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must have a valid PCT national certification or state specific certification as defined by Center for Medicaid/Medicare (CMS).
• At least five years patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.