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Dialysis Patient Care Technician

Objective & Overview:
Looking for a patient-focused, hardworking, detail oriented and motivated Dialysis Patient Care Technician to serve our dialysis patients consistent with our mission to deliver patient wellbeing through accessible, effective and delightful care. The objective for the position is someone that is aligned with our vision to make Carmen the best [kidney] HEALTH company in the world by providing " peace of mind" to our patients and "anywhere, anytime" availability. The PCT will always work within our operating guideline of SERÉ: ensuring patient Safety, providing a delightful Experience, achieving the best clinical Results with exceptional Economy and efficiency. We are looking for a person that can work well with others across the entire healthcare operation, including nurses, technicians, doctors, dietitians, social workers and all support functions.

Company Description:

Established in 2021, Carmen [kidney] HEALTH has the mission to help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive no matter their [kidney] function and a vision to become the best healthcare company in the world. Carmen is unique in providing access to free kidney screenings, has a multidisciplinary approach to help people with chronic kidney disease, and offers state of the art in-center and at home dialysis therapies.

Headquartered in San Antonio, Carmen currently has clinics in Floresville, Bulverde and Lakeway, Texas with locations opening in rural and underserved areas around the San Antonio and Austin metros. The company’s plan is to have clinics across the nation to provide patient choice and convenience particularly along with a digital presence to be available “anywhere, anytime.”

Carmen builds on more than a decade of experience providing patient wellbeing from Médica Santa Carmen (MSC) in Mexico. From its founding in 2011, MSC is today the preeminent network of kidney centers providing over 1,300 dialysis therapies per day and locations inside the Mayo Clinic affiliate and American-British hospitals. Part of MSC’s success comes from its “low cost/high quality” model which is enabled by technology, process and systems engineering to scale and its amazing people and culture to make the difference in each patient’s life.

Essential Responsibilities for all Carmen team members “Carmen Lights”

Mission, Vision, and Values Alignment: Ensure adherence to Carmen HEALTH's “MiViVa”, SERÉ, TAILÚ principles and company, clinic, and team objectives and goals. Embrace the “patient’s well” mentality, knowing and showing the “Carmen Way” making a difference to transform[kidney] HEALTH and achieve our vision.

Resource Stewardship: Manage resources prudently, including materials, infrastructure, and capital, to support Carmen HEALTH's operational needs and goals.and implement the work model of Carmen HEALTH, integrating PDCA, 5S and Lean methodologies for efficiency and effectiveness, striving to be better everyday, as an individual of integrity and teamplayer.

Compliance with Quality and Safety Standards: Adhere to our “Home Base” Quality Management System, International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG), patient care standards, ensuring all activities are in congruence with the “Carmen Way” and in compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Team Leadership and Development: Operate as a leader, with motivation and provide opportunities for development and recognition starting with a “learn-it all” mentality and servant leadership approach. Foster a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Collaborative Improvement Initiatives: Actively participate in and contribute to improvement activities in collaboration with branch, clinical, and corporate teams, driving organizational improvement at Carmen HEALTH.

Adaptability and Versatility in Role: Execute assigned responsibilities with diligence, support other team members as needed, and take on additional tasks to ensure smooth operations.

Professional Commitment: Exhibit consistent punctuality, attendance, and a deep commitment to professional responsibilities, aligning with Carmen’s organizational goals.

Key Job Responsibilities

Patient Preparation: Preparing patients for hemodialysis treatment by reviewing medical records, assessing vital signs, and obtaining weight measurements.
Equipment Setup and Monitoring: Setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, ensuring proper functioning, and monitoring treatment parameters throughout the dialysis session.
Vascular Access Care: Assisting with vascular access care, including cannulation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) or grafts (AVG) and monitoring access sites for signs of infection or complications.
Blood Sampling and Monitoring: Drawing blood samples for laboratory testing, monitoring electrolyte levels, and performing blood pressure checks during hemodialysis treatment.
Medication Administration: Administering medications and intravenous fluids as prescribed by the healthcare provider, including heparin for anticoagulation during dialysis.
Patient Monitoring and Assessment: Monitoring patients' condition during dialysis treatment, assessing for signs of complications or adverse reactions, and promptly reporting any changes to the nursing staff or healthcare provider.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient assessments, treatment parameters, medication administration, and other relevant information in electronic health records (EHR) or paper charts.
Infection Control Practices: Adhering to strict infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean and sterile environment in the dialysis unit.
Patient Education and Support: Providing education and support to patients and their families regarding dialysis treatment, dietary restrictions, medication management, and self-care techniques to promote optimal health and well-being.
Material and Facility Management: Manage inventory with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Ensure the availability of necessary medication, supplies, and equipment Oversee facility maintenance, creating a safe and appealing environment for patients and staff. Implement and monitor compliance with health and safety standards.
Emergency Response: Responding promptly to medical emergencies or complications during dialysis treatment, including initiating emergency procedures, providing basic life support (BLS), and notifying the healthcare team for further assistance.
Collaboration with Healthcare Team: Collaborating with nurses, nephrologists, dietitians, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
Quality Improvement Initiatives: Participating in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency, and quality of care provided within the hemodialysis clinic.

Sample Duties:

Understanding that “Job 1 = patient’s well, all is swell”, that essential job duties are to fulfill Carmen’s MiViVa, company objectives and clinic goals, satisfy the essential and key job responsibilities, and that no job description could ever list all duties, sample duties include:

Ensures patient's safety and care
Prepares supplies for hemodialysis treatments. Stocks hemodialysis carts, as directed
Safely sets up, tests, and operates hemodialysis machines for patient treatments
Troubleshoots machine alarms, as appropriate
Reports machine problems to Biomedical Technician
Obtains and documents necessary pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight for each patient
Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments safely per facility protocol
Administers normal saline, heparin, and local anesthetics per prescription
Evaluates vascular access pre-treatment and performs vascular access cannulation
Evaluates intradialytic problems and provides intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed
Monitors patients’ response to dialysis therapy
Reports any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the supervisor
Enters all treatment data into the designated clinical application in an accurate and timely manner
Collects, labels, appropriately prepares, and stores lab samples according to required laboratory specifications
Removes disposables, cleans and disinfects dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy
Assists other healthcare members in providing patient education
Prepares, organizes, and efficiently uses supplies and equipment to prevent waste
Registers incoming materials and used materials in NetSuite
Supports RNs as needed
Is familiar with all emergency equipment and emergency procedures. Identifies and reports potential hazards
Assists with patient shift changeover
Packages and disposes of medical waste per facility protocol
Complies with all HIPAA regulations

Qualifications:

Educational Background and Certification: High school diploma or G.E.D. required. Completion of a state-approved training program for hemodialysis technicians. Certification as a Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT).
Clinical Experience: Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience in working in a healthcare setting, preferably in hemodialysis or nephrology, is desirable. Demonstrated competency in patient care skills, such as phlebotomy, vital signs monitoring, and medication administration.
Knowledge of Hemodialysis Procedures: Understanding of hemodialysis principles, procedures, and equipment operation, including knowledge of dialysis machines, water treatment systems, and vascular access care.
Infection Control and Safety Practices: Familiarity with infection control protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements relevant to hemodialysis treatment settings.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to respond calmly and efficiently to medical emergencies or complications during dialysis treatment.
Attention to Detail and Documentation Skills: Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tasks, documenting patient information accurately, and following procedures.
Compassion and Empathy: Compassionate and empathetic attitude towards patients, with a commitment to providing patient-centered care and support.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, collaborating with nurses, nephrologists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.
Physical Stamina: Physical stamina and endurance to stand for long periods, lift and move patients as needed, and perform repetitive tasks during dialysis treatment sessions.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Willingness to participate in ongoing training, education, and professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and advancements in hemodialysis care.