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 care and achieve organizational quality goals.

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, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems, intervene as directed, and evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and document treatment parameters accurately.
  • Document patient treatment details, including Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets and progress notes.
  • Report significant patient information or condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks, intervene for unusual patient status, and document responses.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment, intervene as needed, and report findings.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant per facility policy.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Infection Control:
  • Collect information for infection control audits and support adherence to infection control practices.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families as directed.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • 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.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products, benefits, and setup demonstrations.
  • Assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality and supply ordering/inventory for TCU.
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data accurately and timely into the designated clinical application.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile paperwork for placement.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection by appropriate couriers.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).

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 made).

Skills

• Ability to perform direct patient care, including heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation.
• Frequent standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting of up to 30 lbs and occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs (with assistance devices available).
• Ability to work in a healthcare environment with potential exposure to infectious/contagious materials.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Commitment to infection control and safety protocols.

Working Conditions

• Desk and personal computer work with frequent interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Moderate noise levels in a temperature-controlled healthcare facility.
• Potential exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• May require travel to regional, business unit, or corporate meetings.