Patient Care Technician - PCT

Freseniusmedicalcare; Glendale Heights (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care in Glendale Heights, IL, seeks a Dialysis Technician to support safe and effective dialysis therapy under licensed nurse supervision. You will assist in the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, monitor patient vitals, manage treatment parameters, and document care while contributing to CQI activities and patient satisfaction initiatives.

The role emphasizes strong teamwork, adherence to safety protocols, and ongoing patient education to ensure quality care and

Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating hemodialysis machines.
• Ability to record vital signs and documentation.
• Capable of patient education on adequacy measures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setup and operation of hemodialysis machines.
• Take pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency.
• Monitor intradialytic problems and respond as prescribed.
• Document treatment parameters and progress notes.
• Report changes to RN or supervisor.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment.

Skills

Vascular access

Vital signs monitoring

Dialysis machine operation

Patient education

Tools

Hemodialysis machines

Safety alarms

Job description

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

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).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related

Education:

• Assist other health care members in providing patient specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate - Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and regarding disease process/access.

Treatment:

• 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 - standing & sitting blood pressure

• Obtain Hemostasis and acquire 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, including Narrow Venous Limits, (NVL) 160.

• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification

• 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