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. 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 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 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 (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Evaluate and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Discontinue treatment, ensure hemostasis, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and document treatment parameters.
• Monitoring and Documentation:
  • Record vital signs, treatment details, and patient responses on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Report changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Evaluate vascular access pressures and report abnormalities.
  • Collect and prepare laboratory specimens as prescribed.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with infection control audits and monitor staff/patient adherence to policies.
  • Reinforce infection control practices through education, visual media, and participation in surveys.
• Staff Support and Training:
  • Participate in recruitment, orientation, and ongoing training of clinical and facility staff.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training.
  • Conduct competency evaluations and collaborate on quality standards education.
• Maintenance and Technical Duties:
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment, including disinfection of equipment.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment and perform alarm testing.
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) as required.
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities and enter treatment data accurately.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and prepare patient charts for admission.
  • Prepare and manage lab requisitions and specimens.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Coordinate care for new patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and liaise with staff to ensure patient understanding of treatment options.
  • Assist with home dialysis education, modality transitions, and supply 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.

Qualifications

• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital or related facility (preferred).
• Active participation in preceptor training programs.
• Attendance at Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation (equipment aids or coworkers may assist).
• Frequent standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting of up to 30 lbs and occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs (with two-person assist or material assist devices).
• Passage of Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodation may be made).
• Exposure to infectious/contagious diseases in a healthcare environment.
• Travel between facilities, regional meetings, and community locations may be required.