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-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, heparin administration (as delegated), and pre/post-treatment vital signs and weight.
  • Initiate and monitor dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (blood flow, dialysate flow).
  • Evaluate and intervene in intradialytic problems as directed.
  • Discontinue treatment, ensure hemostasis, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Enable safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) and document treatment parameters.
  • Respond to unusual patient status, document interventions, and report changes to the registered nurse.
  • Monitor vascular access pressures and provide intervention as needed.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens.
  • 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.
  • Deliver and maintain 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 facility water systems and environmental safety.
  • Design and implement creative educational programs for PCT staff.
  • Monitor patient care delivery through CQI activities.
  • Ensure training incorporates organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Maintenance/Technical:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis 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.
  • Prepare patient charts for admission and compile 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).
  • Reinforce adherence through visual media (e.g., posters, flyers).
  • Participate in education response 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-related matters for new patients.
  • Liaise with staff to ensure scheduled visits by all disciplines.
  • Assist patients in understanding 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).
• 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

• Regular interaction with patients, staff, and physicians; desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; potential travel to regional/corporate meetings.
• Work environment includes air temperature control and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials.
• Direct patient care involving heavy lifting, moving patients, and assisting with ambulation (equipment aids/coworkers may assist).
• Frequent, 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, 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 accommodation may be considered).