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 Related 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 and dialysate flow).
  • Monitor and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Evaluate patient response to therapy and obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion.
  • Discontinue treatment per established procedures, evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, and obtain hemostasis.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient interventions accurately and timely.
  • Report significant patient information or condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document unusual findings or interventions.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, 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 Related:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
  • Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment and perform required machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• 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 and print lab requisitions and ensure proper specimen collection, labeling, and storage.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with appropriate couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting data for infection control audits.
  • Support adherence to infection control practices among staff and patients.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families under nurse supervision.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with Fresenius staff to ensure all disciplines are scheduled per the patient’s plan.
  • Assist in educating patients about home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup and assist patients in understanding treatment options.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit.

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 for continued employment.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations will be considered if needed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Frequent interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians, including desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; occasional travel to regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; coworkers or equipment aids 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, with a two-person assist program and material assist devices available.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $17.13 - $24.00, depending on work location and qualifications (including education, work experience, skills, and competencies).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and parental leave.