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 on adequacy measures (e.g., Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling) and disease process/access.
• Treatment:
  • Welcome patients, evaluate well-being, and assess vascular access for patency.
  • Perform cannulation, heparin administration (as delegated), and pre/post-treatment vital signs and weight.
  • Initiate and monitor dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Evaluate and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Discontinue treatment, ensure hemostasis, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and document treatment parameters.
  • Respond to unusual patient status, document interventions, and report changes to RN/supervisor.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures and perform machine safety checks per facility policy.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectants.
• Staff Related:
  • Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, and training of direct patient care personnel.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
  • Conduct competency evaluations/audits for Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator on quality standards and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.
• Education/Communication:
  • Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel on water system integrity and environmental safety.
  • Ensure strong communication between clinical managers, education coordinators, and staff regarding training initiatives.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; clean and disinfect equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines, conduct alarm testing, and initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities and enter treatment data accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and prepare patient charts for admission.
  • Prepare lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with QAI infection control audits and act as a change agent for infection control practices.
  • Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control policies under the direction of the Clinical Manager.
  • Reinforce infection control education for staff and patients (e.g., posters, flyers, meetings).
  • Participate in education responses to internal/external facility surveys.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and liaise with FKC staff to ensure multidisciplinary care.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis options and set up treatments on TCU machines.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality and manage TCU supply inventory.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if applicable).
• Commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Attendance and participation in preceptor training programs.
• Successful 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

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional/corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials.
• Frequent standing, bending, and heavy lifting (e.g., moving patients, equipment, and supplies up to 40 lbs.).
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodation may be made).