Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

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. Responsibilities include 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 organizational Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Responsibilities

• Patient Related Education:
  • Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding 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.
  • Evaluate 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 according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow.
  • Monitor and address intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Evaluate patients’ response to dialysis therapy and obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion.
  • Discontinue treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
  • Obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
  • Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document treatment parameters, vital signs, and patient responses accurately and timely.
  • Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • 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 on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
  • Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect equipment and areas between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • 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 and print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with appropriate couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting information 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:
  • 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 Fresenius staff to ensure all disciplines are scheduled according to 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 patient’s chosen modality and 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 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.

Skills

• Ability to perform physical tasks including heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and bending.
• Capable of lifting and moving equipment and supplies (up to 40 lbs. occasionally, 30 lbs. frequently).
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test or demonstrate ability to perform essential functions with reasonable accommodations.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various community locations.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Daily tasks include desk work, computer use, and interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials possible.
• Requires frequent standing, bending, and heavy lifting/moving of patients and equipment.
• May require pushing/pulling equipment exerting up to 15 pounds of force.
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $25.00 - $30.00, depending on work location and qualifications, including relevant 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.
• Drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.