Patient Care Technition

Fresenius Medical Care•Louisburg, NC

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT I HT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to support safe and effective home dialysis therapy and patient training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, particularly the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN). The role assists with home dialysis equipment setup and maintaining a safe, clean environment, and follows organizational policies, procedures, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements. The technician supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, and process improvements intended to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes. The position supports home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients by reinforcing training as permitted, collecting and reporting patient and treatment information, assisting with equipment and supplies, and performing assigned treatment-related tasks. It also includes patient intake, scheduling, documentation, room and equipment preparation, inventory and shipping support, and clerical duties. All duties are performed under direct supervision and within applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. The work involves desk and computer tasks, direct interaction with patients and health care staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials may occur. Direct patient care regularly involves lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation. The role requires frequent, prolonged standing and bending, and may require pushing or pulling equipment and lifting solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s mission, culture, core values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program to remain employed.
Successfully complete CPR certification to remain employed.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not automatically preclude employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and gather information for the Clinic Visit Intake form.
Build and maintain communication and rapport with patients, care partners, nurses, staff, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review patient treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic home treatment, medication, and oral nutritional supplement reconciliation, and report missing data or orders to the HT RN.
May assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support when applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping; assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document opening and closing chores; disinfect dialysis machines and other equipment between visits and routinely.
Prepare and stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms; manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
Schedule appointments and contact patients or caregivers with appointment information and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; assist patients and care partners with supply and inventory ordering and management.
Maintain logs and tracking; may order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audits as directed; collaborate during staff huddles and meetings.
Collect admission documentation and prepare and maintain patient charts as directed; perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, emailing, and contacting provider offices.
For HHD, reinforce training; set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect the machine; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity; and prepare dialysate and treatment supplies as directed.
For HHD, evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormalities to the HT RN.
For HHD, initiate treatment and monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data; perform and document safety checks at required intervals.
For HHD, report and document significant patient status changes and provide and document interventions for interdialytic events as directed and permissible.
For HHD, obtain and document pre-treatment termination and post-treatment vital signs, report findings to the HT RN, and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
For PD, reinforce training; troubleshoot cycler, modem, and connectivity issues; and set up the cycler and prepare and warm PD solutions as directed.
For PD, perform phlebotomy for prescribed laboratory testing as directed and when state or competency requirements are met; assist with exit site care and may track PD equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.