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 regarding 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 their 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 according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow.
  • Monitor and address intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Evaluate patients' response to therapy, obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion, and discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Record accurate and timely information on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets and other documentation.
  • 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 monitor vascular access pressures.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling of blood spills.
  • 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 all organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and 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 and label specimens, and ensure proper storage and courier pickup.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting information 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.
• 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 in educating patients about home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used 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 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 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 may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Desk and personal computer work, interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional, business unit, or corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; coworkers and equipment aids may assist.
• Frequent, prolonged periods of 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 (as high as 5 feet).
• Two-person assist program and "material assist" devices available for heavier items.