PCT Job Details

SUMMARY:   This position provides limited hemodialysis treatment for the ESRD patient.   Initiate, monitor, and discontinue hemodialysis treatments as assigned by the nurse and/or clinic manager.   Lab testing responsibilities where applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and responsibilities generally reflect the expectations of this position but are not intended to be all inclusive.   Other duties may be assigned.

Patient Care

• Receive patient into treatment area; weigh patient, take temperature and blood pressure pre and post dialysis; document on all patient flow sheets.    
• Perform and record vital signs and all other parameters of ESRD patient per policy and/or state regulations
• Obtain blood samples and culture specimens and prepare for shipment
• Review dialysis prescription, note general physical and mental condition of patient through observation and interview, obtain information and/or data to determine compliance to dietary or medication regimen; document observations appropriately
• Provide hemodialysis therapy including but not limited to:   recommend a dialysis plan for ultra filtration to RN, initiate dialysis via approved accesses using proper cannulation techniques, comply with safety measures, monitor vital signs applicable to critically ill patients, administer fluid therapy or other appropriate treatments as directed, document activities appropriately
• Successfully complete checklist for intradermal injection of lidocaine.   Intradermal injection of lidocaine to achieve local anesthesia for fistula needle insertion.
• Understanding of the principles and procedure for heparinization as prescribed for the performance of hemodialysis.   Notification to RN of any signs or symptoms of under or over heparinization
• Collect patient data: monitor and document status of vascular accesses, document patient observations and seek guidance when levels are out of normal range for ESRD patients
• Perform only under the direction of an RN:
• Instruct patient in the care of vascular access
• Review prescription
• Administer quality patient care in a considerate, respectful manner at all times
• Perform all functions conscientiously and in a timely manner within established guidelines
• Work effectively with all staff members, physicians, and patients to provide quality patient care.

Equipment Care

•         Set up and monitor dialysis machines and systems

o        Monitor dialysis machines and RO water system for correct functioning, respond to visual and audible alarms and make appropriate adjustments before, during and after the dialysis treatment

•         Dismantle, clean and disinfect dialysis machines and equipment according to policies and procedures

•         Perform and document daily Quality Assurance testing thoroughly and accurately as

•         Use aseptic technique in all procedures.

Quality Assurance

• Complete treatment records after each treatment according to policies and procedures
• Proactively review and report inventories and supply shortages to Clinic Manager
• Know and comply with policies and procedures in accordance with state and federal regulations for patient care and services (CMS, HIPAA, OSHA, or other governing agencies)
• Participate in quality improvement programs as requested

Other duties as assigned

• Responsible for inventory in the clinic, including, but not limited to physical counts, tracking and entering usage, receiving and stocking.  Note:  This duty assignment may vary by clinic/market.
• Know facility emergency plans and act appropriately in an emergency
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Work overtime with little or no notice as needed
• Attend staff meetings, phone conferences, educational activities and training as needed
• Read, know, understand, and follow employee guidelines, employment policies, and department or company procedures
• Consistent, regular, punctual attendance as scheduled is an essential responsibility of this position
• Assist in orientation of new staff members as directed and under supervision of the nurse
• Identify confidential information and maintain strict confidentiality of information
• Ability to lift minimum of 5 lbs. to a maximum of 35 lbs. unassisted and able to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, reaching and use full range of body motions.   Hearing must be adequate to hear machine alarms and interact in person clearly and efficiently. Vision adequate to perform essential duties and responsibilities of the position. Ability to pass color vision test.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

•         High school diploma or equivalent required as per CMS regulations.  

•         Completion of an approved Dialysis Training Program.  

•         An employee, who has been employed as a PCT for more than 2 years as of 10/14/2008, must either provide documentation of having completed a dialysis training program or successful completion of DSI's competency exam and skills checklist observed by a registered nurse.

•         Any Patient Care Technician with previous experience may be placed in the DSI Training Program at the discretion of the Clinic Manager.

•         Completion of approved training program as required by the company and CMS guidelines prior to operating the water treatment system required.  

•         Basic computer skills and proficiency required in MS Outlook; proficiency in all required computer systems of the company including Pearl , etc. within 90 days of hire.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

•         Current CPR certification

•         Must meet all applicable state requirements for education, training, credentialing, competency, standards of practice, certification and licensure in the state in which they are employed within 18 months (or per state requirements) of the date of hire.  

•         Must be nationally certified and maintain certification from one of the following organizations within 18 months of the date of hire. If a PCT who is not certified changes jobs from one dialysis facility to another, the time he/she was employed in the first facility will count toward the 18 month deadline for certification unless he/she had a gap

               in employment as a patient care technician of more than 18 months.

o        Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT)

o        Board of Nephrology Examiners for Nursing and Technology (BONENT)

o        National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO)

o        State certification program that meets the CMS requirements

ESSENTIAL BEHAVIOR, SKILLS, ATTITUDE

•     Commitment to company values and mission with ability to demonstrate those positively and proactively to patients, fellow employees, management, physicians and/or vendors in everyday performance and interactions

•     Ability to clearly identify and report patient needs to nurse

•     Demonstrated ability to maintain absolute confidentiality concerning patient information

•     Self-directed; able to function independently and as a team member and to foster a positive work environment

•     Empathy, consideration and respect for patients and fellow employees

LANGUAGE/REASONING SKILLS

•         Fluent in the written and verbal skills necessary to successfully perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the position.  

•         Ability to read, speak and write English with clarity of expression sufficient to communicate technical and complex concepts to employees, patients and patient family members in clear and easily understood terms

•         Ability to understand clinical/medical vocabulary written or spoken in English

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Proficiency in application of mathematical skills to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, use of whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply understanding & logic to defined situations in the department; establish facts to arrive at valid conclusions; to interpret instructions and give consideration to abstract and concrete variables within a given situation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical requirements can vary.   In general, the position requires the following activities:  

•         Ability to lift minimum of 5 lbs. to a maximum of 35 lbs. unassisted

•         Able to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, reaching and use full range of body motions.

•         Hearing must be adequate to hear machine alarms and interact in person clearly and efficiently  

•         Vision adequate to perform essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

o        Ability to pass color vision test

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Job required tasks routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids, tissues or potential spills or splashes.    Use of appropriate personal protection measures is required for every healthcare provider in these positions.