Patient Care Technician - PCT

About the Role

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and active participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient care and achieve organizational Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Responsibilities

• Patient Related Education:
  • Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures (e.g., Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling) and disease process/access.
• Treatment:
  • Welcome patients and evaluate their well-being since last treatment.
  • Assess vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
  • Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate vascular access pre-treatment.
  • Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
  • Monitor and address intradialytic problems as directed by physician orders or supervision.
  • Evaluate patients’ response to therapy, obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion, and document discontinuation of treatment.
  • Perform all functions necessary for treatment termination, including evaluating venous access and obtaining hemostasis.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
  • Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Record accurate and timely information on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets, including vital signs and treatment parameters.
  • Document patient treatment details, complete progress notes, and report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks, document interventions for unusual patient status, and report findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, and intervene as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure immediate cleanup of blood spills per facility policy.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
  • Adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Perform all tasks necessary for dialysis treatment preparation, including machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare and print lab requisitions, collect and label specimens, and ensure proper storage and courier pickup.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
  • Support adherence to infection control practices for staff and patients.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families under supervision.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with Fresenius staff to ensure a positive patient experience and scheduled interdisciplinary visits.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products, benefits, and feasibility.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setups and explaining treatment options.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering and inventory.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification required for continued employment.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations will be considered if needed.

Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk and computer tasks, patient interaction, and collaboration with facility staff and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required; occasional travel to regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings.
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials is possible.
• Physical demands include frequent standing, bending, and prolonged periods of activity.
• Regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients; assistance from coworkers or equipment may be provided.
• May require pushing/pulling equipment (up to 15 lbs.), lifting/lowering solutions (frequently up to 30 lbs., occasionally up to 40 lbs.), and reaching up to 5 feet.
• A two-person assist program and material assist devices are available for heavier items.