Patient Care Technician - PCT

Overview

Fresenius Medical Care is seeking Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) to support and collaborate with Registered Nurses (RNs) in providing dialysis treatment to several patients at a time. This role involves prepping and testing equipment, reviewing treatment sheets, and opening clinics early in the morning.

Success Profile

Patient Care Technicians at Fresenius Medical Care must have prior customer service, healthcare, and direct patient care experience. They should have a combination of technical skills and genuine passion to develop deep relationships with patients and improve their quality of life.

Rewards

• Opportunity to learn the discipline of dialysis
• Supporting the organization's mission to deliver superior care
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver unique care plans
• Building strong relationships with patients and their families

Connect

To connect with Fresenius Medical Care, interested candidates can reach out through the provided address and job ID.

Job Description

As a Patient Care Technician, you will assist other healthcare members in providing patient-specific detailed education regarding dialysis adequacy measures. You will evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law. Your responsibilities include welcoming assigned patients, obtaining vital signs and weight before and after treatment, initiating dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, monitoring patients' responses to dialysis therapy, and documenting all interventions and patient evaluations. You will also prepare and organize supplies, ensure safety, and educate patients on self-care and home dialysis.

Principles and Scope

You will function as part of the dialysis healthcare team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Your duties include setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean working environment, and supporting the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Related

• Assist in providing patient-specific detailed education regarding dialysis adequacy measures
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and perform vascular access cannulation
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures
• Evaluate patients' vascular access during treatment
• Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status
• Prepare and organize supplies to prevent wastage
• Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of an RN

Staff Related

• Aid in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments
• Document all tasks necessary for preparation of dialysis treatment
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system

Record Keeping

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely
• Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat Lab specimens according to laboratory destination
• Collect, label, and prepare lab samples according to required laboratory specifications
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier

Infection Control

• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits
• Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices
• Follow infection control Policies and Procedures
• Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law

Transitional Care Unit

• Follows all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis
• Liaises with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience
• Aids in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and treatment options
• Aids in coordination of transition to patient's modality choice
• Aids in supply ordering and inventory for TCU

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Requires desk and personal computer work, interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians
• Characteristics of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials
• Direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation
• Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and bending over
• Occasionally required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force
• Occasionally required to lift and lower solutions up to 30 lbs., and occasionally up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet
• Two-person assist program and "material assist" devices for heavier items

Education and Licenses

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required

Experience and Required Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards