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, evaluate their 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, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
  • Monitor and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed; evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment and evaluate venous access.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient responses accurately.
  • Report significant patient information or condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment; document and report issues.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Manage supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
  • 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 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).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (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/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 infection control policies and procedures.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families under supervision.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist patients in understanding treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis demonstrations.
  • 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 any) 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.

Skills

• Ability to perform physical tasks, including:
  • Frequent standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
  • Frequent lifting/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.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations may be made).
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required.
• Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials in a healthcare environment.

Pay

Hourly rate: $17 - $27, depending on work location, qualifications, 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 bonus-eligible positions).