Patient Cre Technician - PCT

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 active participation in process improvement activities to enhance patient outcomes.

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, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
  • Monitor intradialytic problems and intervene as prescribed or directed.
  • Evaluate patient response to therapy, obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion, and discontinue treatment per established procedures.
  • Ensure hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
  • Enable safety alarms, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL 160).
  • Document vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient responses accurately and timely.
  • Report significant information or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Perform machine safety checks, document interventions for unusual patient status, and monitor vascular access pressures.
  • Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens, and ensure immediate cleanup of blood spills.
  • Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
  • Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Staff Support: Assist in training direct patient care staff on applicable programs under nurse supervision.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting data for infection control audits.
  • Support adherence to infection control practices for staff and patients.
  • Follow and reinforce infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education for patients and families as directed.
• 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 as allowed by state law.
  • Liaise with Fresenius staff to ensure scheduled visits and a positive patient experience.
  • Educate patients on home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set up and perform treatments on all TCU machines.
  • Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup and explaining treatment options.
  • Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality and manage TCU supply ordering/inventory.
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
  • Enter treatment data into clinical applications accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and address omitted entries.
  • Prepare 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.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
  • Perform all tasks necessary for dialysis treatment preparation and document as required.
  • Conduct pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
  • Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification required.
• Must pass Ishihara’s Color Blindness test; reasonable accommodations will be considered if failed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians, including desk and computer work.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may require travel to regional or corporate meetings.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious diseases possible.
• Direct patient care involves heavy lifting/moving of patients and assisting with ambulation; coworkers or equipment aids may assist.
• Frequent, prolonged standing and bending; 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 program and material assist devices available for heavier items.