Patient Care Technician- PCT- Training Provided

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 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 (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease process/access.
• Treatment:
  • Welcome patients, evaluate well-being, and assess vascular access for patency.
  • Perform cannulation, heparin administration (as allowed by state law), and obtain pre/post-treatment vital signs and weight.
  • Initiate and monitor dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (QB, QD).
  • Evaluate and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Monitor patient response to therapy, obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion, and discontinue treatment per procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document treatment parameters, vital signs, and interventions on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Report significant patient condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks, document unusual findings, and intervene as needed.
  • Evaluate vascular access pressures during treatment and provide appropriate intervention.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
• Education/Communication:
  • Adhere to organization policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment; disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• 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.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper specimen collection and storage.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in infection control audits and support adherence to infection control practices.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Coordinate care for new patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care related to new patients (as allowed by state law).
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup and explaining treatment options.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering/inventory.

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 applicable) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization 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.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations may be made).

Skills

• Ability to perform physical tasks, including:
  • Frequent standing and bending; prolonged periods of standing.
  • Regular heavy lifting (up to 30 lbs.) and occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet) with assistance.
  • Pushing/pulling equipment (exerting up to 15 lbs. of force).
  • Assisting with patient ambulation and movement.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; occasional travel to regional/Business Unit/Corporate meetings.
• Ability to work in a healthcare environment with exposure to infectious/contagious materials.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $27.00, depending on work location and qualifications (education, work experience, skills, and competencies).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and parental leave.