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. The role follows organizational policies, procedures, training, applicable state laws, and federal and state regulations. It includes helping set up home dialysis equipment and maintaining a safe, clean working environment in the home therapies program. The technician supports the organization's Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement efforts. The position supports home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients through training reinforcement, treatment preparation and support, equipment troubleshooting, patient monitoring, documentation, and coordination with the home therapies registered nurse. Other work includes patient intake and communication, supply and specimen management, appointment scheduling, recordkeeping, room preparation, equipment disinfection, and administrative support. Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), as permitted by law and organizational policy.

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.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's mission, culture, core values, and customer service standards.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent, prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assisting with ambulation.
Ability to push or pull equipment using up to 15 pounds of force, frequently lift and lower solutions up to 30 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet; assistance devices or coworkers may be used for heavier items.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

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.
Maintain communication and rapport with patients, care partners, the HT RN, other staff, providers, and team members.
Obtain and review patient treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal information to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic reconciliation of home treatments, medications, and oral nutritional supplements, and report missing information or orders to the HT RN.
Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support as applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping.
Assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document opening and closing daily chores.
Disinfect dialysis machines and other equipment and furniture between patient visits and routinely.
Prepare and stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms; manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
Schedule patient 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 supplies and inventory ordering and management; maintain logs and tracking.
Order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audits as directed, and collaborate during staff huddles or meetings.
Collect required patient admission documentation and prepare and maintain electronic or paper patient charts as directed.
Perform clerical duties as assigned, including answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
For HHD, set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect the dialysis machine as directed; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity issues.
Prepare dialysate and HHD treatment supplies according to directions and standing or provider orders.
Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormal findings to the HT RN.
Initiate HHD treatment and monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data.
Perform and document safety checks during treatment at intervals designated by CMS and facility policy.
Report significant changes in patient status during treatment to the HT RN and document them; provide and document interventions for interdialytic events as directed and permissible.
Obtain and document pre-treatment termination and post-treatment vital signs; report post-treatment findings to the HT RN.
Ensure hemostasis of the dialysis access before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
For PD, troubleshoot cyclers, modems, and connectivity issues.
Perform prescribed phlebotomy as directed when state and/or competency requirements are met.
Set up PD cyclers and prepare and warm PD solutions as directed; assist with exit site care as directed.
Assist with tracking PD equipment and perform other duties as assigned.