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 assigned patients and evaluate their well-being since their last treatment.
  • Evaluate 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 and dialysate flow.
  • Monitor patients’ response to therapy, intervene for intradialytic problems as directed, and document all relevant information.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform all functions necessary for treatment discontinuation.
  • Evaluate patients prior to termination of venous access and obtain 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 the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet, including vital signs and treatment parameters.
  • Document patient treatment details, including progress notes, and report significant information or 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 patients’ vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, and intervene as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure immediate cleanup of blood spills.
  • 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 appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
  • Follow all 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 and document as required.
  • Conduct pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter all 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 for prescribed or stat specimens and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage.
  • Ensure lab specimens are collected by the appropriate courier.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
  • Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families under the direction of the Clinical Manager (CM) or designee.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with appropriate staff to ensure the best patient experience, including scheduling all necessary disciplines.
  • Assist in ensuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits, and processes.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist with patient understanding of treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis demonstrations.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and 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 setting 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 failed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk and computer tasks, interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and within the community is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be necessary.
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels.
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients; assistance from equipment or coworkers may be provided.
• Frequent, prolonged periods of standing and bending over required.
• Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force.
• Frequent lifting and 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.