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 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; obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and interventions on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
  • Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Evaluate 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 Support:
  • 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.
  • Train staff on facility water systems and environmental safety.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, and equipment between treatments.
  • Prepare dialysis machines for treatment and perform 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 necessary paperwork.
  • Prepare/print lab requisitions and ensure proper collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
  • Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
  • Reinforce infection control policies for new hires and ongoing staff.
  • Participate in patient and staff education on infection control (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings).
  • Support 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 Fresenius staff to ensure all disciplines see the patient as planned.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup and assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for 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).
• Commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Completion of organization dialysis training program and CPR certification.
• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.
• Attendance and participation in preceptor training programs.

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 (with assistance from 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 (with two-person assist or material assist devices).
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodation may be made for disabilities).

Pay

The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications.