Patient Care Technician - PCT

About the Role

Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy. Functions as part of the hemodialysis 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 participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient care and achieve quality goals.

Responsibilities

• Customer Service:
  • Drive the FMS culture through values and customer service standards.
  • Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships through timely communication.
  • Take initiative to respond, resolve, and follow up on customer service issues.
• Patient Care:
  • Assist in providing patient-specific education on adequacy measures (e.g., OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease process/access.
  • Welcome patients, inquire about their well-being, and report complaints or observations to the nurse supervisor.
  • Evaluate vascular access for patency and report unusual findings.
  • Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; report unusual findings.
  • Perform vascular access evaluation and cannulation; report difficulties or unusual findings.
  • Administer Heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
  • Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (e.g., blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor patients’ response to therapy and report unusual findings.
  • Perform all functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment and document accordingly.
  • Evaluate patients prior to termination of venous access and discharge; report unusual findings.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., UF goal, treatment time, Na modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Record accurate and timely information on treatment sheets and progress notes.
  • Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks; report changes or unusual findings.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment and provide intervention as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment and document as required.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Organize and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Clerical & Administrative:
  • Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and document accordingly.
  • Enter treatment data into clinical applications accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with appropriate couriers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• CMS-approved state and/or national certification or High School Diploma/G.E.D. (must meet certification requirements within the required timeline).
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if applicable).
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test as a condition of employment.
• Continued employment dependent on successful completion of FMCNA dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Pay

Hourly rate: $25 - $31, depending on work location, qualifications, education, work experience, skills, and competencies.