Description Provide exceptional dialysis services—and a comforting presence.
Offer a helping hand as well as a kind heart. Let patients know you’re there
to care for them because you care about them. Connect with your goals and
change lives with Fresenius Medical Care North America. As the nation’s
largest provider of renal-care services, we have the resources and commitment
to form bonds that inspire patients, their families, and team members. We’re
familiar with our patients’ concerns, and understand how to calm them. We know
our professionals as well, and what they need to succeed: the resources,
state-of-the-art technology, and stability to focus on quality care. Why Join
the Fresenius Team? Passion. Dedication. Knowledge. Motivation. Experience.
These are the impressive qualities you’ll find in the Fresenius Leadership
Team. Our strength in the North American market and extensive global network
provide our employees with the best of both worlds—the friendliness of a local
organization and the stability of a worldwide organization—for diverse
experiences and challenging career opportunities. When you join the Fresenius
Medical Care team, you’ll be welcomed into a company that is built on the
philosophy that our employees are our most important asset. Our career
advantages include the following: Fresenius Medical Care is the nation’s
largest provider of renal care, meeting the needs of more than 135,000
patients at 1,800 clinics throughout the country. Our well-established,
trusted organization fosters a spirit of camaraderie, emphasizing friendly
collaboration, professional support, and career development. Superior
training, UltraCare ® quality control, and certification procedures ensure
your potential to succeed and advance as a professional. Competitive
compensation and exceptional benefits. Outstanding tuition reimbursement
program. Recognized among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies” in 2011.
National Safety Award from CNA insurance companies for 11 consecutive years.
Opportunities to give back by participating in philanthropy and community
outreach programs. Patient Care Technician Here is that rare opportunity: the
chance to build a strong career with an industry leader. As a member of our
hemodialysis team, the reliable professional we select will provide safe,
effective treatment as well as a friendly, confident presence. Directly
supervised by a licensed nurse, this individual will set up and operate
dialysis machines in accordance with our policies as well as state and federal
guidelines. Take this opportunity to assist in maintaining the patient-care
environment, support our quality-enhancement program, and help achieve optimal
outcomes. PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values and
customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program,
including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. Functions as
part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective
dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse
in accordance with FMCNA 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 FMCNA
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 FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP). DUTIES / ACTIVITIES :
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Responsible for driving the FMS culture through values and
customer service standards. Accountable for outstanding customer service to
all external and internal customers. Develops and maintains effective
relationships through effective and timely communication. Takes initiative and
action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues
with all customers in a timely manner. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
PATIENT CARE: 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. Welcome assigned
patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment. Report
any complaints or observations to the nurse supervisor. Evaluate vascular
access for patency and report any unusual findings to nurse supervisor. Obtain
necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight. Report unusual
findings to nurse supervisor. Perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment
and report unusual findings to nurse supervisor. Perform vascular access
cannulation and report any difficulties in cannulation or unusual findings to
nurse supervisor. Perform administration of Heparin as delegated or as allowed
by state law. 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 and report any
unusual findings to nurse supervisor. Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion;
perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment
- document. Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established
procedures, Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access - standing
& sitting blood pressure. Obtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
Evaluate the patient for prior to discharge and report any unusual findings to
nurse supervisor. 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; Sodium (Na) modeling; 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 nurse supervisor. Observe patient, and conduct machine safety checks
according to facility policy. Report any change or unusual findings to the
nurse 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, document and report any
unusual findings to the nurse supervisor. Obtain all prescribed laboratory
testing and prepare specimens for collection. MAINTENANCE/TECHNICAL: 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. 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. CLERICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE:
Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement
(CQI) activities. Enters all treatment data into the designated clinical
application accurately and in a timely manner. Review treatment sheets for
completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and ensure omitted
entries are completed or corrected where appropriate. Prepare initial patient
chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart.
Prepare lab requisitions for prescribed or stat Lab specimens according to
laboratory destination. Collect, label, appropriately prepare and store lab
samples according required laboratory specifications. Ensure collection of lab
specimens by appropriate lab courier. OTHER : Perform additional duties as
assigned. 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. 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 move, with assistance, machines and equipment of
up to 200 lbs., and may lift chemical and water solutions of up to 30 lbs. up
as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist"
devices for the heavier items. EDUCATION: Center for Medicaid/Medicare
Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification or High School
diploma or G.E.D. Must meet certification requirements within the required
state or CMS timeline. All appropriate state licensure, education and training
(if any) required. EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS: Previous patient care
experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred. Employees have
to meet the necessary requirements of Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a
condition of employment. Continued employment is dependent on successful
completion of the FMCNA dialysis training program and successful completion of
CPR certification.