PCT III- Preceptor

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 goals.

Responsibilities

• Patient Education: Assist in providing patient-specific education on adequacy measures (e.g., Online Clearance Monitoring, 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; evaluate patient response to therapy.
  • Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; document discontinuation of treatment.
  • Perform hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
  • Calculate and program dialysis machine settings (Ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits) are enabled.
  • Record accurate and timely treatment data on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheets.
  • Document patient interventions, progress notes, and report changes in condition to the RN/supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks and report unusual findings.
  • 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/equipment to prevent wastage.
  • 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 new staff in direct patient care training.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ensure strong communication between clinical managers, education coordinators, and staff regarding training programs.
  • 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 training incorporates organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• 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 dialysis machines for treatment and perform required alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding Test).
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) as needed.
• 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 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.
  • 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.
  • Support patient and staff engagement in infection control practices (e.g., lobby days, staff meetings).
  • Reinforce adherence to infection control policies through visual media (e.g., posters, flyers).
  • Participate in education responses to internal/external facility surveys.
  • Reinforce infection control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU):
  • 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 Fresenius 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 TCU.
  • Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup and assist with transition to patient’s chosen modality.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if applicable).
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Active participation in preceptor training programs as established by education leadership.
• Completion of organization dialysis training program and CPR certification (required for continued employment).

Qualifications

• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Employees must pass the Ishihara’s Color Blindness test (reasonable accommodations may be made).
• Daily work includes desk/computer tasks and interaction with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations; may include regional/Business Unit/Corporate meetings.
• Work environment is temperature-controlled with moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious/contagious materials possible.
• Direct patient care involves 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.