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. 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, evaluate their 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 according to prescribed orders (blood flow and dialysate flow).
  • Monitor patients’ response to therapy, intervene for intradialytic problems, and document interventions.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and discontinue treatment according to established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Record accurate and timely treatment parameters, vital signs, and patient responses on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks, document interventions for unusual patient status, and evaluate vascular access during treatment.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure immediate cleanup of blood spills.
  • 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:
  • Follow organization policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities and enter treatment data accurately and timely into clinical applications.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile paperwork for placement.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions, collect/label/store lab samples, and ensure lab courier pickup.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting data for infection control audits and reinforce adherence to infection control practices.
  • Follow and participate in infection control education for patients and families under nurse direction.
• 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 staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and setup demonstrations.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines in the transitional care unit.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering/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 for continued employment.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations may be made).

Skills

• Ability to perform physical tasks, including heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs.), prolonged standing, and bending.
• Capability to push/pull equipment (up to 15 lbs. of force) and lift/lower solutions (up to 30 lbs. frequently, 40 lbs. occasionally).
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required.
• Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials in a healthcare environment.
• Proficiency in desk work, personal computer use, and interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.