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 on 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 dialysis treatment per prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems, intervene as directed, and evaluate patient response.
  • Discontinue treatment, obtain hemostasis, and document all relevant procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and record treatment parameters accurately.
  • Document patient treatment details, progress notes, and report changes in condition to RN/supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks, observe patients, and intervene for unusual status.
  • Evaluate vascular access pressures during treatment and report issues.
  • Obtain prescribed lab tests, prepare specimens, and ensure proper handling.
  • Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectants.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently use supplies/equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support:
  • Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, and training of direct patient care personnel.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training per state guidelines.
  • Conduct competency evaluations/audits for other Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator on quality standards and regulatory compliance.
  • Train staff on facility water systems and environmental safety.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity, cleanliness, and safety.
  • Disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment, perform alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test), and initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• Record Keeping:
  • Document participation in CQI activities.
  • Enter treatment data accurately and timely into clinical applications.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper specimen collection/storage.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with infection control audits and act as a change agent for practices.
  • Monitor staff/patient adherence to infection control policies under RN supervision.
  • Reinforce infection control education for new hires, staff, and patients.
  • Participate in education responses to internal/external facility surveys.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • Coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first 4 weeks of dialysis.
  • Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits and optimal patient experience.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis options and demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup.
  • Assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality and manage TCU 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.
• Attendance and active participation in preceptor training programs.
• Completion of skill-based training as assigned by Clinical Manager.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between facilities, regional meetings, and community locations.
• Work environment: temperature-controlled health care facility with moderate noise; potential exposure to infectious/contagious diseases.
• Physical demands:
  • Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation (equipment/coworkers may assist).
  • Frequent standing and bending; prolonged periods of standing.
  • Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs of force).
  • Frequent lifting/lowering of solutions (up to 30 lbs); occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs) as high as 5 feet (two-person assist available).
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodation may be considered).