Patient Care Technician

Fresenius Medical Care•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician is part of a dialysis health care team and provides safe, effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement goals. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatments according to prescribed orders, monitors treatment response, responds to problems as directed, and documents care. The role also includes safety checks, laboratory specimen collection and preparation, machine and equipment cleaning, supply management, and support for infection-control practices. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education as permitted by state law, coordinates care with appropriate staff, helps patients understand treatment and home-dialysis options, assists with modality transitions, and supports supply ordering and inventory. The position involves work at assigned facilities and other community locations, with possible travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, and may involve exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Direct patient care includes frequent standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation. The role may require lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally, as high as five feet; pushing or pulling equipment with up to 15 pounds of force may also be required. Assistance and material-assist devices are available for heavier items. A high school diploma or GED is required. The employee must meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline, and have any state licensure, education, and training required. Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification. Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and moving, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and 40 pounds occasionally.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their well-being since their last treatment.
Provide or reinforce patient-specific education about adequacy measures, disease processes, vascular access, infection control, and treatment options as permitted by state law and under appropriate supervision.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, including required pre-treatment vascular access evaluation and post-treatment standing and sitting blood pressure.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Program dialysis machines for prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling, and ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient response and machine safety during treatment; evaluate problems and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Assess vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, intervene as appropriate, and report unusual findings or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, evaluations, interventions, patient responses, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of laboratory specimens.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant and follow facility infection-control policies and procedures.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, conduct required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee, as permitted by state law.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional care.
Coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and scheduling of disciplines according to the care plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and assist with transitions to their chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.