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 active participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Patient 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 per established procedures.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient interventions accurately and timely.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and intervene for unusual patient status.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment 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 Support: Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Maintain clean and safe work areas; disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis treatment areas and perform pre-treatment machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data into clinical applications 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 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 and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families under nurse direction.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • 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 Fresenius staff to ensure scheduled visits and optimal patient experience.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Assist patients in understanding treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis demonstrations.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering/inventory for 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 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 for continued employment.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations may be made).

Working Conditions

• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation (equipment aids or coworkers may assist).
• Frequent, prolonged periods of standing and bending over.
• 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 and material assist devices available).
• Desk and computer work; interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities, community locations, and regional/Business Unit/Corporate meetings may be required.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; potential exposure to infectious/contagious diseases/materials.