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, evaluate well-being, and assess vascular access for patency.
  • Perform vascular access 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 intradialytic problems, intervene as directed, and evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient interventions accurately.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and monitor vascular access pressures during treatment.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling.
  • 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 organization policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment; disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment and perform alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities and enter treatment data accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper specimen collection and storage.
• 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 as directed.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis options and set up treatments in the TCU.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering.

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 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 made).

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.
• Frequent standing, bending, and prolonged periods of physical activity.
• Regular heavy lifting and moving of patients; assistance may be provided by coworkers or equipment.
• Frequent lifting of up to 30 lbs. and occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs. (e.g., solutions) as high as 5 feet.
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.