Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse under organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Assists in the setup of home dialysis equipment and the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment within the home therapy program. Supports the organizations 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 organizations Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

All duties and responsibilities of the PCT III HT are to be performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), in compliance with, and as permissible per state laws, regulations, and policies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Home Assist):

Reinforces home hemodialysis (HHD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law.

Identifies and welcomes patients, obtains vital signs, weights, and gathers information needed to complete the Clinic Visit Intake form.

Builds and maintains effective communication and collaboration processes and rapport with patients, care partners, the HT RN, direct and non-direct patient care staff, providers, and other team members.

Obtains treatment records from patients and/or systems, reviews for completion, and reports missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.

Assists with electronic home treatment/medication/oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and reports missing data/orders to the HT RN.

May assist HT RNs with home visits.

Provides home support as applicable and permissible.

Prepares supplies for the collection of prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for shipping.

Assists with the tracking and shipping of transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforces transplant education.

Completes opening/closing daily chores and documents as appropriate.

Disinfects dialysis machines, chairs, tables, and other equipment in between patient visits, and routinely.

Prepares the exam/training room for home dialysis training, treatment, or other visits.

Stocks exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms with supplies.

Develops or follows a process for the management of supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.

Schedules patient appointments and contacts patients/caregivers regarding dates, times, and reminders.

Supports patient registration and use of connected health.

Assists patients and care partners with supplies/inventory ordering and management.

Maintains logs and tracking.

May order and track clinic/office supplies, as directed.

Participates in medical records, infection control, and other audit processes as directed.

Actively collaborates with others during staff huddles or meetings.

Helps collect required documentation for patient admission, prepares and maintains the electronic and/or hard-copy patient chart, as directed.

Performs other clerical duties, as assigned (answering phones, faxing, email, provider office contact, etc.).

Home Hemodialysis

Reinforces HHD training and education with the HT training RN.

Sets up, tears down, programs, tests, and disinfects the HHD machine, as directed.

Troubleshoots HHD equipment and connectivity issues.