Kathy Ashford
Surf City,NC
Summary
Experienced Patient Care Technician and Preceptor with a strong background in mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with infection control standards. Committed to elevating patient care through effective training and team collaboration.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
PCT Preceptor/Patient Care Technician - CCHT
Fresenius Medical Center
Sanford, NC
05.2019 - Current
- Mentored new staff on patient care protocols and best practices.
- Provided hands-on training for healthcare procedures and equipment usage.
- Ensured compliance with safety and infection control standards during procedures.
- Developed educational materials to enhance staff understanding of patient care techniques.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and workflow efficiency.
- Evaluated preceptee performance and provided constructive feedback for professional growth.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced training effectiveness and staff confidence.
- Facilitated orientation sessions for new employees, streamlining their transition into roles.
- Enhanced PCT trainee skills by developing comprehensive simulation exercises and hands-on practice sessions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of healthcare regulations, trends, and advancements in patient care techniques.
- Directly cared for patients at least 120 hours each month to maintain currency on clinical techniques.
- Administered patient treatments and monitored vital signs during hemodialysis sessions.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and infection control guidelines in clinical settings.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation for treatment plans and outcomes.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, equipment usage, and patient care techniques.
- Conducted routine maintenance on dialysis machines to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Minimized complications related to vascular access sites by performing proper cannulation techniques using both needles and catheters according to established protocols.
- Reduced the risk of infections by adhering to strict infection control protocols during all procedures.
- Demonstrated excellent teamwork skills while assisting other technicians during busy shifts for optimal patient care delivery.
- Explained dialysis procedures to patients and answered questions and concerns prior to starting dialysis.
- Cleaned and connected fistulas, grafts and catheters to prevent infection.
- Enhanced patient care by providing efficient and accurate hemodialysis treatments.
- Set-up equipment for dialysis and primed dialyzer in preparation for use.
- Started and ended reverse osmosis water systems and completed water quality monitoring tests.
- Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility when faced with unexpected challenges during a shift, using critical thinking skills to find effective solutions that maintained high-quality patient care standards.
Patient Care Technician - CCHT
Fresenius Dialysis
Fuquay-Varina, NC
05.2018 - 05.2019
- Administered direct patient care, including vital signs monitoring and assistance with daily activities.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring compliance with health regulations and standards.
- Educated patients on treatment processes and self-care practices to enhance their understanding of dialysis.
Patient Care Technician - CCHT
Fresenius Medical Center
Bluefield, WV
05.2015 - 03.2018
- Trained and mentored new staff on operational procedures and best practices in patient care.
- Streamlined workflow processes to improve efficiency in patient treatment schedules and resource allocation.
- Led quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and satisfaction outcomes.
- Utilized electronic health record systems to document patient interactions, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
- Managed emergency situations effectively, following established protocols to ensure optimal patient safety during critical moments.
- Provided individualized care to patients, constantly monitoring their condition and reporting any changes to the nursing team.
Pharmacy Technician
Mercer Charitable Care
Bluefield, WV
03.2013 - 05.2015
- Assisted pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications accurately.
- Maintained inventory levels, ensuring availability of essential pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Educated patients on medication usage, side effects, and storage instructions.
- Processed prescription orders efficiently through pharmacy management software systems.
Medical Assistant
Dr. Agarwal Internal Medicine
Bluefield, WV
03.2010 - 03.2013
- Administered patient care, including vital signs monitoring and lab specimen collection.
- Assisted in coordinating patient appointments and follow-up visits for optimal scheduling efficiency.
- Educated patients on medication usage and lifestyle changes to enhance health outcomes.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Performed EKGs and other diagnostic tests, contributing to accurate and timely diagnoses.
Education
Associate of Science - Medical Assistant/Pharmacy Tech
National University
Princeton, WV03-2010
Skills
- Vital signs monitoring
- CPR certification
- Patient observation
- Infection control standards
- Catheter care
- Infection control
- Emergency response
- Patient education
- Clinical training
- Team collaboration
- Vitals documentation
- Time management
- Certified in CPR/AED
Timeline
PCT Preceptor/Patient Care Technician - CCHT
Fresenius Medical Center
05.2019 - Current
Patient Care Technician - CCHT
Fresenius Dialysis
05.2018 - 05.2019
Patient Care Technician - CCHT
Fresenius Medical Center
05.2015 - 03.2018
Pharmacy Technician
Mercer Charitable Care
03.2013 - 05.2015
Medical Assistant
Dr. Agarwal Internal Medicine
03.2010 - 03.2013
Associate of Science - Medical Assistant/Pharmacy Tech
National University