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 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 and evaluate their well-being since 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 per prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems and intervene as directed by physician orders.
  • Evaluate patient response to therapy, obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion, and discontinue treatment per procedures.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions accurately on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and monitor patients per facility policy.
  • 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 and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support:
  • Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, and training of direct patient care personnel.
  • Serve as a preceptor for new staff in direct patient care training.
  • Deliver and maintain competency evaluations/audits for other Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator to uphold ESRD regulatory and legal requirements.
  • Assist in training staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Education & Communication:
  • Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel on facility water systems and environmental safety.
  • Ensure strong communication between clinical managers, staff, and support teams regarding training and development.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
• Maintenance & Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment and perform required alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) as needed.
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities.
  • Enter treatment data accurately and timely into clinical applications.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
  • Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
  • Reinforce infection control policies for new hires and ongoing staff.
  • Participate in education initiatives (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings) to promote infection control.
  • Support education response to internal/external facility surveys.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure all disciplines see the patient per plan.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup and assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

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 required).
• Commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Active 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 & Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; occasional travel to regional/corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; potential exposure to infectious/contagious diseases.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting/moving of patients (with assistance as needed).
• Frequent standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs); occasional lifting up to 40 lbs (with two-person assist or material assist devices).
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodation may be made for disabilities).