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 Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Responsibilities

• Patient Related Education:
  • Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding 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 vascular access cannulation, heparin administration (as delegated), and obtain pre/post-treatment vital signs and weight.
  • Initiate and monitor dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow.
  • Evaluate and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed, monitor patient response, and discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled and document treatment parameters accurately.
  • Report significant patient information or condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks, document interventions, and evaluate vascular access during treatment.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure immediate cleanup of blood spills.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Participate in the recruitment process for new clinical staff and assist with clinical orientation and training.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
  • Deliver and maintain ongoing competency evaluations/audits for other Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator to drive 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, staff, and support teams regarding training and development.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff, including team-based initiatives.
  • Monitor and participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (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, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare and print lab requisitions, collect and label lab specimens, and ensure proper storage and courier pickup.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits and act as a change agent for infection control practices.
  • Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices under the direction of the Clinical Manager.
  • Reinforce infection control policies for new hires and ongoing staff engagement.
  • Participate in education response to internal and external facility surveys.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
• 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 Fresenius staff to ensure all disciplines are scheduled to see the patient according to plan.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist with coordination of transition to the patient’s chosen modality and manage supply ordering/inventory for TCU.

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 applicable).
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Active participation in all preceptor training programs as established by education leadership.
• 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 personal computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; occasional travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings.
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• 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 over.
• Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs of force).
• 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.
• Passage of Ishihara’s Color Blindness test required; reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.