Dialysis Patient Care Technician

Job Description

Patient Care Technician 3

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Job Description

TITLE: Patient Care Technician

FUNCTION:

The Patient Care Technician is responsible for assisting and supporting the unit

management team in achieving quality, patient satisfaction, staff development, business

management as appropriate, teamwork, culture and employee satisfaction.

Responsible for understanding, supporting, and implementing the philosophy and policies

of the corporation.

Assists in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment.

Provides safe, effective delivery of age specific patient care in compliance with standards

outlined in the facility procedure manual, as well as regulations set forth by the company,

state and federal agencies.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

The Patient Care Technician will be responsible for the performance of all of the duties

listed. The distribution of effort between the duties listed can be expected to vary

according to the need and to individual assignments, under the supervision of a Registered

Nurse, Coordinator, Director of Nursing, and Unit Medical Director:

1. Demonstrates applicable knowledge of policies and procedures related to the

Patient Care Technician/Reuse/Supply Technician.

2. Demonstrates ability to perform technical skills for the Patient Care Technician

as determined by the competency assessment program.

3. Demonstrates applicable knowledge of the policies and procedures of providing

patient care, including the patient’s treatment, reuse, and water treatment

facility, and emergency procedures.

a. Delivers age specific care to assigned patients as prescribed, including all

aspects of the hemodialysis procedure specifically trained to perform in

accordance to state licensure.

b. Demonstrates ability to work with any patient or staff regardless of race,

c. Initiates, monitors, and discontinues dialysis treatments according to

established procedures.

d. Develops and assimilates theoretical and technical knowledge with

observations, and communication skills to detect dialysis and non-

dialysis related problems.

e. Utilizes knowledge to establish priorities of care, both emergency and non-

emergency; administers medical treatment accordingly and documents all

pertinent information.

f. Recognizes and utilizes opportunities to reinforce previous education of

the patient and family under the direction of an RN.

g. Maintains a safe environment for self, patients, and staff by utilizing

proper body mechanics, and following universal infection control

precautions and cleaning procedures under OSHA regulations.

h. Dialyzes isolation patients utilizing isolation precautions and prescribed

procedures.

i. Performs hemodialysis access care according to established procedures,

under the direction of a Registered Professional Nurse.

j. Documents the administration of saline and heparin, under the direction of

a Registered Professional Nurse, as authorized by a physician and as

further authorized or limited by the State Board of Nursing Practice.

k. Reports any significant observations, information or change in patient

condition to registered nurse, Coordinator, Director of Nursing, and

physician.

l. Documents clearly, completely, and accurately all pertinent information on

patient’s manual or electronic record.

m. Participates in assisting the RN in formulating nursing care plans including

long and short term goals, according to established guidelines.

n. Performs or assists in the performance of all emergency operational

procedures, including the evacuation of patients in the event of fire and/or

disaster.

o. Obtains blood samples and other specimens as ordered.

p. Assists in ordering supplies and maintaining supply inventory and records

in an efficient and cost effective manner.

q. Attaining neat, orderly, and well-stocked unit.

r. Maintains competency in operations, sanitization, maintenance, and

troubleshooting of all equipment used for dialysis, water treatment, and

special procedures.

s. Actively participates with the supervisor and Biomedical technician in the

care, routine cleaning, and use of equipment.

t. Picks up and delivers supplies, blood samples, records, and reports as

directed by Coordinator or Director of Nursing.

4.

Assumes administrative duties under the direction of the Director of

Nursing/Coordinator.

a. Assists in orientation and training of new and existing staff under the

direction of an RN.

b. Assists in CQI projects with the health care team.

c. Reports all equipment, supply problems, new or unusual incidents,

information, and complaints appropriately and according to policy to

Coordinator/Director of Nursing/repair personnel/biomedical support staff.

d. Communicates effectively with physicians, supervisor, co-workers,

patient and families.

e. Maintains positive working relationships with Medical Director/Medical

Staff.

f. Actively participates in unit staff meetings and in-services.

g. Cooperates/assists the Registered Nurse/Director of Nursing in

staff scheduling, including rotation, to ensure adequate coverage.

Assumes responsibility and utilizes opportunities for personal and professional

growth.

a. Promotes, supports, and adheres to all policies outlined in the Employee

Handbook.

b. Completes all clinical and corporate and training program(s) as

appropriate to successfully master ESRD patient care for hemodialysis,

PD, management skills, leadership development and gain confidence in

listening and communication skills.

c. Acquires information on the latest developments of dialysis technique by

participating in scheduled in-service classes.

d. Seeks resources for direction, when necessary.

e. Acts as a resource person for other staff members within their scope of

practice.

6. Performs additional duties and is responsible for specific projects that are assigned

according to ability and experience, by the Director of Nursing/Hemodialysis

Registered Nurse.

MACHINES, EQUIPMENT, AND WORK AIDS:

Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of all hemodialysis and related ancillary

and emergency equipment utilized in the facility such as: reuse equipment, water treatment

equipment, computer, hemodialysis machines, sphygmomanometer, conductivity meter,

glucometers, scale, electronic thermometers, centrifuge, EKG machine, IV infusion pump,

code cart, suction machine, oxygen administration equipment, and personal protective

equipment.

WORK TRAITS:

Aptitudes:

1. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

2. Ability to listen and respond in an understanding manner.

3. Ability to express ideas effectively to supervisors, physicians, and other staff members.

4. Ability to foster an environment of cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.

5. Ability to work independently.

6. Ability to recognize and deal with priorities of need.

7. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Temperaments:

1. Ability to motivate other team members.

2. Ability to relate to people in a manner which instills confidence and establishes

rapport.

3. Flexibility to adjust to changing conditions and demands of the job.

4. Ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner.

5. Ability to remain calm, interpret data and conditions as presented, and to

provide solutions under stress.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Moderately active work involving lifting and carrying; walking and standing for

considerable lengths of time.

2. Talking and listening to communicate ideas or requirements to individual staff

members.

3. Visual acuity to prepare and read written material accurately.

4. Audio acuity to listen attentively and accurately.

5. Ability to push, pull, mobilize (with assistance of wheels, carts, and other

equipment) approximately 200 lbs.

6. Ability to work overtime as needed to complete general responsibilities.

7. Full use of all extremities with hand dexterity.

8. Ability to travel when necessary to meet the needs of the unit and corporation.

Note: Reasonable accommodations will be made as necessary if an individual cannot meet

the above requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Exposure to potentially hazardous/infectious materials, observing and complying with the

safety regulations/requirements of the facility and governmental agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Education in physical sciences and/or training in laboratory techniques preferred.

3. Minimum of 2 years dialysis experience preferred.

4. Reprocessing experience, including equipment repair and maintenance desirable.

5. Successful completion of training course in theory and practice of hemodialysis; or state

license or registration as required.

6. Valid driver’s license and insurance, if travel by car needed for company business.

7. Computer knowledge desirable.

8. Successful completion of CPR healthcare recognition.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

Supervised by: Director of Nursing

Registered Professional Nurse

Position (s) Supervised:

This position will have Interaction with other direct care staff, as well as support staff,

physicians, and the management team.

I have read the above job description and understand its contents.

Employee Signature Date

5