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 support of the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.

Responsibilities

• Patient Related Education:
  • Assist in providing patient-specific education on adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) 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 per prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Evaluate patient response to therapy; obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion.
  • Discontinue treatment per established procedures; evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
  • Achieve hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings; evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks; document and report unusual findings.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures; intervene and document as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment.
  • 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:
  • Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities.
  • Enter treatment data accurately and timely into clinical applications.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness; ensure nursing signatures and omitted entries are addressed.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions; collect, label, and store lab samples per specifications.
  • Ensure lab specimens are collected by appropriate courier.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting data 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 matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup and explaining treatment options.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

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.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious diseases/materials.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; coworkers or equipment aids may assist.
• Frequent, prolonged standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions up to 30 lbs; occasional lifting up to 40 lbs (as high as 5 feet).
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.