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 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 vascular access cannulation and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
  • Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate vascular access pre-treatment.
  • Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (e.g., blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems, intervene as prescribed, and evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment and evaluate venous access.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and document unusual findings or interventions.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment and intervene as needed.
  • 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 drive quality standards through education on ESRD regulations and CQI practices.
  • Train applicable staff on programs under nurse supervision and provide developmental support.
• 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 development.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff (e.g., contests, team-based initiatives).
  • Collaborate in scheduling and implementing training programs.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
  • Ensure incorporation of organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards into training.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment, document as needed, and perform pretreatment machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in CQI activities.
  • Enter treatment data into clinical applications accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
  • Coordinate lab specimen collection with appropriate couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
  • Monitor and reinforce staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
  • Support new hire training on infection control policies and procedures.
  • Engage staff and patients in infection control practices (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings).
  • Reinforce infection control policies through visual media (e.g., posters, flyers).
  • Participate in education responses to internal and external facility surveys.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families under nurse supervision.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with Fresenius staff to ensure scheduled visits from all disciplines.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines in the transitional care unit.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup and assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the 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 required).
• Commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Active participation in preceptor training programs.
• 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.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious diseases.
• Frequent heavy lifting and moving of patients; assistance may be provided by equipment or coworkers.
• Prolonged standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs); occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs) as high as 5 feet.
• Two-person assist program and material assist devices available for heavier items.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.