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 last treatment.
  • Evaluate 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 prescribed or directed.
  • Evaluate patients’ response to therapy and obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion.
  • Discontinue treatment per established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
  • Obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient responses accurately and timely.
  • Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, and intervene 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:
  • Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment; disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate 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 initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare and print lab requisitions; collect, label, and store lab samples per specifications.
  • Ensure lab specimens are collected by 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 nurse direction.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate care.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure all disciplines see the patient as planned.
  • Assist in educating patients about 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 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.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk and computer tasks, patient interaction, and collaboration with staff and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required; occasional travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials possible.
• Direct patient care involves heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; coworkers or equipment aids may assist.
• Frequent, prolonged 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.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $18.00 - $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.
• Drug-free workplace in accordance with federal and state laws.