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 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 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 per prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems, intervene as directed, and evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; discontinue treatment and evaluate venous access.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions accurately and timely.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and document unusual findings or interventions.
  • Evaluate vascular access during treatment; monitor arterial/venous pressures 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 recruitment, clinical orientation, and ongoing training of direct patient care personnel.
  • Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training per state guidelines.
  • Deliver and maintain competency evaluations/audits for other Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator to drive quality standards and regulatory compliance.
  • Assist in training staff on programs under nurse supervision and provide developmental support.
• 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 (e.g., contests, team-based initiatives).
  • Monitor patient care delivery through Continuous Quality Improvement (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 and perform required machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • 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 and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
  • Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary 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 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/patient engagement.
  • Participate in education response to internal/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 staff to ensure all disciplines see the patient as planned.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all machines used 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 Transitional Care Unit (TCU).

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).
• Demonstrated 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

• Day-to-day work includes desk and computer tasks, patient interaction, and travel between facilities.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials possible.
• Requires heavy lifting and moving of patients; assistance from equipment or coworkers may be provided.
• Frequent, prolonged standing and bending; occasional pushing/pulling of equipment (up to 15 lbs).
• Frequent lifting 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.