Student Patient Care Technician Clinical Placement

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The clinical placement student 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.

The student 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:

PCT students must adhere to all facility and FMCNA policies and procedures.

Under the direction of the shift Nurse and direct supervision of their assigned PCT-P, the Student will:

• Take vital signs
• Escort patients to/from scale
• Weigh patients
• Prepare labs i.e., spinning, packaging
• Set-up machine including (testing and stringing)
• Pre initiation safety check
• Initiate or terminate a treatment on a patient with a fistula or graft
• Cannulation of fistula and graft
• Post treatment emptying of dialysis circuit
• Surface disinfect stations/machines
• Internal heat/chemical disinfect machines
• Remove needles and hold sites
• Check sites and apply bandages post treatment
• Check for residual disinfectant
• Hand crank in emergency
• Mix bleach water
• Check blood sugars
• Draw blood cultures and labs
• Obtain pH and conductivity of machine
• Prepare dialysate
• Check residual chloramine and chlorine in water used to prepare dialysate

The PCT student can NOT:

• Initiate and terminate a treatment of a patient with a catheter
• Perform catheter care
• Perform any functions outside of the standard of practice for the position or as allowed under state boards of nursing or other state licensing programs

All clinical placement students who work more than 160 hours will be required to complete Compliance training within 45 days of hire.

The student will be responsible for completing a survey at the end of each rotation

Qualifications - External

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 push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and to 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 the heavier items.

EDUCATION:

High School diploma or G.E.D.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

Preferred outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.  Possess the desire to deliver superior care to our patients and embrace Fresenius’ mission and values.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The clinical placement student cannot work under the supervision of a family member.

The student cannot care for a patient who is a family member. If the student’s family member is a patient at the facility in which they work, the student will be scheduled to work on days the patient is not in the facility or will be assigned to another patient.

SUPERVISION:

The Clinical Manager assigns and closely monitors all PCT clinical placement assignments with direct supervision from a PCT-P based on the agreed education plan.

OTHER:

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.