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 and evaluate their well-being since their last treatment.
  • Assess vascular access for patency, perform 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 and intervene as directed by physician orders.
  • Evaluate patient response to therapy, discontinue treatment per procedures, and ensure hemostasis.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and document treatment parameters accurately.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • 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.
  • Assist patients in performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support:
  • Participate in recruiting new clinical staff and assist with orientation/training.
  • Act as a preceptor for direct patient care training per state guidelines.
  • Deliver competency evaluations/audits for other Patient Care Technicians (PCTs).
  • Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator on quality standards and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.
• Education/Communication:
  • Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel on water system integrity and environmental safety.
  • Ensure strong communication between clinical managers, staff, and support teams regarding training initiatives.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment, including alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • 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 are documented.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection/storage of specimens.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with QAI infection control audits and act as a change agent for infection control practices.
  • Monitor staff/patient adherence to infection control policies under CM direction.
  • 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 FKC staff to ensure multidisciplinary care plans are followed.
  • Assist patients in understanding home dialysis options and set up machines for demonstrations.
  • Coordinate 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 preceptor training programs and skill-based training as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation (equipment aids/coworkers may assist).
• Frequent 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.
• Desk/computer work and interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between facilities and community locations; potential travel to regional/corporate meetings.
• Exposure to infectious/contagious diseases/materials in a healthcare environment.
• Passage of Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations considered if failed).