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 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, including blood flow and dialysate flow.
  • Monitor intradialytic problems, intervene as prescribed, and evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment and document all relevant functions.
  • Calculate and program individual patient dialysis settings (e.g., Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Record accurate and timely information on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets, including vital signs and treatment parameters.
  • Document patient treatment details, progress notes, and report significant changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks, observe patients, and report unusual findings.
  • Perform interventions for unusual patient status and document responses.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, and intervene as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectants.
  • 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 of new clinical staff.
  • Assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training for direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
  • Serve as a preceptor in 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 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
  • 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, including 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 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 initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare and print lab requisitions; collect, label, and store lab samples according to specifications.
  • Ensure lab specimens are collected by appropriate couriers.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
  • Act as a change agent for infection control practices within the clinic.
  • Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices under the direction of the Clinical Manager.
  • Reinforce new hire adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Support ongoing staff and patient engagement on infection control practices (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings).
  • Reinforce infection control policies quarterly 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 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 appropriate staff to ensure all disciplines see the patient as planned.
  • Assist in educating patients about home dialysis products, benefits, and setup.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist patients in understanding treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis demonstrations.
  • 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 required).
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Attendance and 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, facility staff, and physicians, including desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may include regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious diseases possible.
• Direct patient care involves 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); 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 individuals with disabilities.