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 Related 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 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, including blood flow and dialysate flow.
  • Monitor and address intradialytic problems; evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient interventions accurately and timely.
  • Report significant patient information or condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Monitor patients and conduct machine safety checks per facility policy.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment; 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:
  • Adhere to organization 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.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment and perform required machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate 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 omitted entries are addressed.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with appropriate couriers.
• 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 direction of the Clinical Manager.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis; coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaison with Fresenius staff to ensure scheduled visits and optimal patient experience.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines in the transitional care unit.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup and assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit.

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.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Skills

• Ability to perform physical tasks, including heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs.), prolonged standing, and bending.
• Capability to push/pull equipment exerting up to 15 pounds of force.
• Frequent lifting and lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs., occasionally up to 40 lbs.).
• Ability to travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Comfort working in a healthcare environment with potential exposure to infectious/contagious diseases.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Working Conditions

• Desk and personal computer work with regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Moderate noise levels in a temperature-controlled healthcare facility.
• Potential exposure to infectious and contagious materials.
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier tasks.