Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

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 regarding adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) 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.
  • Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate vascular access pre-treatment.
  • Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems and intervene as prescribed or directed.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Record accurate and timely information on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets and progress notes.
  • 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 and document monitoring pressures.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectants.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Participate in the recruitment of new clinical staff.
  • Assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training for direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
  • Function as a preceptor in direct patient care training.
  • Deliver and maintain competency evaluations/audits for other PCTs.
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator to drive quality standards.
  • Assist in training staff on ESRD regulatory/legal requirements and CQI practices.
  • Provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.
• Education/Communication:
  • Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel on facility water systems and environmental safety.
  • Ensure strong communication between clinical managers, education coordinators, and staff regarding training programs.
  • Participate in and design creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Collaborate in scheduling and implementing training programs.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
  • Ensure incorporation of organizational policies and compliance with ethical practices in training.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment and perform pretreatment machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in 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 paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
  • Ensure lab specimens are collected by appropriate couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
  • Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices under the direction of the Clinical Manager.
  • Reinforce infection control policies for new hires and ongoing staff.
  • Support patient and staff engagement in infection control practices (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings).
  • Reinforce infection control policies through visual media (posters, flyers).
  • Participate in education responses to internal/external facility surveys.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with FKC staff to ensure all disciplines see the patient according to plan.
  • Assist patients in understanding 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 the patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if required).
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Attendance and participation in preceptor training programs.
• Completion of organization dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Qualifications

• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk and computer tasks, interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials possible.
• Regularly involves heavy lifting/moving of 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.
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.
• Employees must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.