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 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 permitted 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 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 (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document unusual findings or interventions.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment (arterial/venous pressures) and intervene as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory specimens, prepare them for collection, and ensure proper handling.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant per facility policy.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff on relevant programs under nurse supervision.
• Infection Control:
  • Support adherence to infection control practices and policies.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families.
  • Assist in collecting data for infection control audits.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Coordinate care for new 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 patient understanding of treatment options.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis set-up and assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.
• 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 patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper specimen collection and storage.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment, including disinfecting machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS) as required.

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.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test or demonstrate ability to perform essential functions with reasonable accommodations.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; occasional travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious diseases.
• Frequent standing and bending; occasional heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs.) and pushing/pulling equipment (up to 15 lbs.).
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.