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 outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Patient Education: Assist in providing patient-specific education on adequacy measures (e.g., Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling) and disease process/access.
• Treatment:
  • Welcome patients, evaluate their well-being, and assess vascular access for patency.
  • Perform vascular access cannulation and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
  • Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate vascular access pre-treatment.
  • Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (blood flow and dialysate flow).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems, intervene as prescribed, and document patient responses.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and discontinue treatment following established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Record accurate and timely treatment parameters, vital signs, and patient evaluations.
  • Document interventions for unusual patient status and report changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, and intervene as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling of blood spills.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support: Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment, including disinfecting machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data into clinical applications accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting data for infection control audits.
  • Support adherence to infection control practices and policies.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families under direction.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as permitted by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and setup.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering/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 applicable) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization 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 may be made).

Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk tasks, computer work, and interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required, including regional 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, prolonged standing and bending.
  • Regular heavy lifting and moving of patients (with assistance from equipment or coworkers).
  • Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs of force).
  • Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs) and occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs, as high as 5 feet).
  • Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.