Patient Care Technician- PCT-Training Provided

Purpose and Scope

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 in accordance with organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, assisting in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities, including patient‑satisfaction initiatives and process‑improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Patient‑related education: Assist health‑care team members in providing detailed, patient‑specific education on adequacy measures (Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling) and disease process/access.
• Treatment preparation and monitoring: Welcome patients, inquire about wellbeing, evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin as delegated, obtain pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
• Dialysis initiation and management: Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow), evaluate intradialytic problems, intervene per physician order or direction, monitor patient response, and obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion.
• Treatment discontinuation: Discontinue dialysis per established procedures, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, evaluate patient prior to discharge, and record all relevant data on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Machine programming and safety: Calculate and enter individual patient dialysis machine settings (ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling), ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled, and perform pre‑treatment alarm testing including Pressure Holding.
• Documentation: Accurately record vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions; complete Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets and progress notes; report significant changes to the RN or supervisor; ensure nursing signatures are present.
• Vascular access monitoring: Observe arterial and venous pressures during treatment, intervene as needed, and report unusual findings.
• Laboratory support: Obtain prescribed labs, prepare and label specimens, ensure proper collection and couriering, and clean blood spills promptly.
• Supply and equipment management: Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies to prevent waste; maintain a clean environment by disinfecting machines, chairs, and surrounding areas between treatments.
• Staff assistance and training: Assist in training direct‑patient‑care staff under RN supervision and support staff and patient adherence to infection‑control practices.
• Infection control: Participate in infection‑control audits, reinforce education for patients and families, and follow all related policies and procedures.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU) duties: Follow newly admitted patients for the first four weeks, reinforce education, coordinate multidisciplinary scheduling, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis set‑up, assist with modality choice, manage supply ordering and inventory, and set up treatments on TCU machines.
• Record keeping and CQI participation: Enter treatment data into the clinical application accurately and timely, review treatment sheets for completeness, prepare initial patient charts, and compile required paperwork.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The role involves frequent standing, bending, and prolonged periods of desk and computer work. Employees must be able to lift and lower solutions up to 30 lb frequently and up to 40 lb occasionally, as high as 5 ft, with assistance from two‑person lifts or material‑assist devices. The work environment is a health‑care facility with temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious materials is possible. Travel between assigned facilities and to regional, business‑unit, and corporate meetings may be required. All employees must take the Ishihara color‑blindness test as a condition of employment; reasonable accommodations are considered.

Education and Licenses

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer‑service standards.

Experience and Required Skills

• Previous patient‑care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.
• Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.