Fresenius Medical Care North America
Patient Care tech
Fresenius Medical Care North America, Pikeville, Kentucky, United States, 41501
Purposes 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, assistance in maintaining a safe and clean working environment, and support of the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients meet 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 well‑being since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, 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 and document.
Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access—standing & sitting blood pressure.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
Ensure 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.
Accurately document information related to patient treatment, including completion of the 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 policy; report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients’ response to intervention.
Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
Monitors patients performing self‑care under the supervision of RN.
Staff Related
Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
Education / Communication
Follow all organization business policies, procedures and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics—ensure all areas are safe and clean.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
Record Keeping
Complete and document ongoing participation in continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application in an accurate and timely manner.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart.
Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination.
Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples according to required laboratory specifications.
Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
Infection Control
Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
Follow infection control policies and procedures.
Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.
Transitional Care Unit
Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce all education and care‑related matters as it relates to the new patient as allowed by state law.
Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience, including ensuring all disciplines are scheduled to see the patient according to plan.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits of home, and how home dialysis can work for them.
Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of the peritoneal dialysis set‑up.
Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employees are required to take the Ishihara color‑blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment. The company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.
Day‑to‑day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
The work environment is characteristic of a health‑care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two‑person assist program and "material assist" devices for heavier items.
Education and Licenses
High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Experience and Required Skills
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.
Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Fresenius Medical Care is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors.
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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 well‑being since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, 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 and document.
Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access—standing & sitting blood pressure.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
Ensure 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.
Accurately document information related to patient treatment, including completion of the 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 policy; report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients’ response to intervention.
Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
Monitors patients performing self‑care under the supervision of RN.
Staff Related
Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
Education / Communication
Follow all organization business policies, procedures and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics—ensure all areas are safe and clean.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
Record Keeping
Complete and document ongoing participation in continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application in an accurate and timely manner.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart.
Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination.
Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab samples according to required laboratory specifications.
Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
Infection Control
Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
Follow infection control policies and procedures.
Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.
Transitional Care Unit
Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce all education and care‑related matters as it relates to the new patient as allowed by state law.
Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience, including ensuring all disciplines are scheduled to see the patient according to plan.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits of home, and how home dialysis can work for them.
Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of the peritoneal dialysis set‑up.
Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employees are required to take the Ishihara color‑blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment. The company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.
Day‑to‑day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
The work environment is characteristic of a health‑care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two‑person assist program and "material assist" devices for heavier items.
Education and Licenses
High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Experience and Required Skills
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and successful completion of CPR certification.
Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Fresenius Medical Care is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors.
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