Patient Care Technician at CARLE

This position provides dialysis and patient care activities for ESRD patient in accordance with Carle Health policy and procedure, OSHA, CMS, Federal, State and local regulations.

• Patient CareCompletes all open and closing duties of the dialysis water room including the documentation and accuracy of temperature gauges and ranges of pressure gauges, and perform chlorine testing prior and during dialysis treatments.Monitors brine tanks and acid tanks to ensure adequate levels to provide planned treatments.Sets up all dialysis machines according to each patients' prescription including acid concentration; bicarb, sodium, ultrafiltration rate, blood flow rate, dialysis flow rate, machine temperature, and dialyzer size.Conducts conductivity and pH testing on all machines prior to each treatment.Receives patient into treatment area, obtain weight, temperature, blood pressure (pre and post) and document findings on flow sheet. Performs and records all pre and post vital signs and all other parameters of dialysis patients and reports any abnormal findings to the RN as per policy and/or state regulations. Performs vascular access evaluation pre-treatment and report abnormal findings prior to treatment initiation. Evaluate for patency of access to determine if intervention is needed and report to the RN.Performs vascular access cannulation and report any cannulation difficulties to the RN.Initiates treatment according to patient prescription.Monitors patient's response to treatment and report any abnormal findings to the RN.Evaluates patients for any adverse responses to treatment and provide intervention as prescribed or as directed by the RN. Perform and document any interventions and response to intervention in to EHR and report to RN.Obtains vital signs for patients during treatment every 30 minutes or during any machine alarms and document into the EHR and report any abnormal findings to the RN.Monitors patients' vascular access during treatment for any adverse events, monitor arterial and venous pressures, provide appropriate intervention and report to the RN.Obtains vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment and document in EHR.Evaluates patient prior to removal of venous access with standing and sitting blood pressures to determine if additional fluid is needed and report to the RN.Discontinues dialysis treatments, remove patient needles and hold pressure for up to 15 minutes to stop bleeding and apply dressings prior to discharging patient from the clinic.Evaluates patient prior to discharge for any change in condition and report any abnormal findings to the RN.Obtains blood samples and culture specimens and prepare for shipment. Reviews dialysis prescriptions note general physical and mental condition of patient through observations appropriately. Provides chronic hemodialysis therapy, including but not limited: calculate Ultrafiltration goal and give recommendation to RN, initiate dialysis via approved access using proper cannulation techniques, comply with all safety measures - report abnormal findings to RN. Collects patient data, monitor and document status of vascular access, document patient observations and seek guidance when levels are out of the normal range for ESRD patients.
• Equipment CareSets up, maintains and monitors dialysis machines and systems Monitors dialysis machines and RO water systems for correct functioning, respond to visual and audible alarms and make appropriate adjustments before, during and after dialysis treatment. Cleans and disinfects dialysis machines and equipment according to UnityPoint Health procedures.Completes daily/weekly disinfection of dialysis machines and dialysis loop.
• Quality Monitoring and PerformanceCompletes treatment records after each treatment according to policy and procedure. Reviews and reports inventories and supply shortages to inventory manager. Knows and complies with UnityPoint Health policy and procedures in accordance with state and federal regulations for patient care services. Participates in quality improvement programs as requested.