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 (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 (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor and address intradialytic problems; evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment and evaluate venous access.
  • Achieve hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weights, and vital signs.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document treatment parameters, vital signs, and patient responses on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures and intervene as needed.
  • Collect prescribed laboratory specimens and prepare them for transport.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Manage supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
  • Supervise patients performing self-care under RN guidance.
• 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 a clean and safe environment; disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment and perform required machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate the 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 and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare and print lab requisitions; collect, label, and store lab samples per specifications.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with 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 nurse direction.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Support newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care related to new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Coordinate with staff to ensure multidisciplinary care plans are followed.
  • Educate patients on 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 management 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 applicable) 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.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; occasional travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; coworkers or equipment aids may assist.
• Frequent standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs of force).
• Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs); occasional lifting up to 40 lbs (with two-person or material assist devices).

Pay

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $27.00, depending on work location and qualifications (e.g., education, experience, skills, and competencies).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and parental leave.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses (for eligible positions).