Patient Care Technician - PCT

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 setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and active participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Patient Related Education:
  • Assist in providing patient-specific education on adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease process/access.
• Treatment:
  • Welcome patients, evaluate well-being, and assess vascular access for patency.
  • Perform vascular access 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, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed; evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient interventions accurately and timely.
  • Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks; document and report unusual findings.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment; intervene and document as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing; prepare and label specimens per laboratory specifications.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
  • Adhere to organization policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • 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; perform pretreatment machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data into clinical applications accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness; ensure nursing signatures and omitted entries are addressed.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission; compile paperwork for placement.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions; collect, label, and store lab samples per specifications.
  • Ensure lab specimens are collected by appropriate couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting data for infection control audits.
  • Support adherence to infection control practices for staff and patients.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families under direction of CM or designee.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaison with FKC staff to ensure scheduled visits and optimal patient experience.
  • Assist in educating patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup and explaining treatment options.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality; assist with supply ordering and inventory.

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 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.

Skills

• Ability to perform direct patient care, including heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation.
• Frequent standing and bending; ability to push/pull equipment exerting up to 15 pounds of force.
• Ability to lift and lower solutions up to 30 lbs. frequently and up to 40 lbs. occasionally, as high as 5 feet.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining dialysis machines and related equipment.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required.

Schedule

Day-to-day work includes interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required. Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels.