Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT CCHT Dialysis

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 vascular access 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.
  • Obtain vital signs, discontinue treatment, and ensure hemostasis.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and document treatment parameters.
  • Report significant patient condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures and report unusual findings.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectants.
  • Manage supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, and training of direct patient care personnel.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training (per state guidelines).
  • Conduct competency evaluations/audits for other 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 facility water systems and environmental safety.
  • Ensure strong communication between clinical managers, education coordinators, and staff regarding training programs.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment and perform alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • 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 and print lab requisitions, collect/label/store lab samples, and coordinate courier pickup.
• 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 patient and staff education on infection control (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings).
  • Support 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 care matters for new patients (per state law).
  • Liaise with staff to ensure multidisciplinary care plans are followed.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Assist patients in understanding treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis demonstrations.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality and manage TCU supply ordering/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 required).
• Commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Completion of organization dialysis training program and CPR certification.
• Attendance and participation in preceptor training programs.

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 assigned facilities, regional meetings, and community locations.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise; exposure to infectious/contagious materials.
• Frequent standing, bending, and prolonged periods of physical activity.
• Regular heavy lifting and moving of patients (with assistance devices or coworkers).
• Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs) and lifting solutions (up to 40 lbs, as high as 5 feet).
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations may be made).