Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT - 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. Responsibilities include setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and active participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient care and achieve organizational quality goals.

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 their well-being, and assess vascular access for patency.
  • Perform cannulation, administer heparin (as delegated), and obtain pre/post-treatment vital signs and weight.
  • Initiate and monitor dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (e.g., blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Evaluate and address intradialytic problems, monitor patient response, and discontinue treatment per procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time).
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient interventions accurately.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and monitor vascular access pressures during treatment.
  • 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 Related:
  • Participate in the recruitment of new clinical staff.
  • Assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training for direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training, adhering to state guidelines and organizational standards.
  • Deliver and maintain competency evaluations/audits for other Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Managers and Education Coordinators to uphold ESRD regulatory and legal requirements and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) practices.
  • Provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.
• Education/Communication:
  • Partner with RNs 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 and organizational development.
  • Participate in designing and implementing creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Collaborate in scheduling and delivering training programs.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics, ensuring all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment, including alarm testing and Solution Delivery System (SDS) initiation.
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in CQI activities.
  • Enter treatment data accurately and timely into designated clinical applications.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare and print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of lab specimens.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
  • Monitor and reinforce staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
  • Support ongoing education and engagement on infection control for staff and patients.
  • Participate in education responses to internal and external facility surveys.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care-related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with appropriate staff to ensure all disciplines are scheduled to see the patient as planned.
  • Assist in educating patients about home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist patients in understanding treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup.
  • Coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with supply ordering/inventory.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Active participation in all applicable preceptor training programs.
• Attendance at Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification required for continued employment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians, including desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and within the community; occasional travel to regional, business unit, or corporate meetings.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials possible.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; coworkers or equipment aids may assist.
• Frequent, prolonged periods of standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs) and occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs) as high as 5 feet; two-person assist and material assist devices available for heavier items.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations will be considered if failed.