Patient Care Technician - PCT - 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 active participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient care and achieve organizational Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Responsibilities

• Patient 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 their 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 according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
  • Monitor patients’ response to therapy, intervene for intradialytic problems as directed, and document all actions.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion, discontinue treatment per established procedures, and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
  • Achieve 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 safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled and document treatment parameters accurately.
  • Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks, document interventions for unusual patient status, and monitor vascular access pressures during treatment.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure immediate cleanup of blood spills per facility policy.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support: Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment, including disinfecting dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Perform all tasks necessary for dialysis treatment preparation and conduct required pretreatment machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile paperwork for placement.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions, collect/label/prepare/store lab samples per specifications, and coordinate lab courier pickup.
• 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, including patient/family education as allowed by state law.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC) staff to ensure scheduled visits from all disciplines.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products, benefits, and setup demonstrations.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the TCU.
  • Assist with patient understanding of treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering/inventory for the TCU.

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 failed.

Skills

• Ability to perform direct patient care, including heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation.
• Frequent standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs) and occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs, as high as 5 feet) with assistance programs/devices available.
• Ability to work in a healthcare environment with potential exposure to infectious/contagious diseases.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations may be required; regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also require travel.