Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Midland, TX

21h

About The Position

The Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the hemodialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy to assigned patients in an acute setting. The PCT works under the supervision of the FKC RN and follows FMCNA policies, procedures, training, and applicable corporate, state, and federal regulations. The role includes preparing and operating equipment for renal replacement therapies when competency and proficiency are documented, monitoring patients before, during, and after treatment, responding to treatment-related issues as directed, and completing accurate clinical documentation. The PCT also supports a safe and clean work environment, quality improvement activities, and productivity goals. The position involves direct patient care in a health care facility, including regular patient lifting and movement, assistance with ambulation, and frequent, prolonged standing and bending. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required, and travel to meetings may be required. The work environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Any applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the position.
1–2 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care under the supervision of the FKC RN for assigned patients in the acute setting.
Promote and help maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Support the Quality Enhancement Program and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement.
Promote and assist in meeting Total Area Productivity goals.
When competency and proficiency are documented, set up and prime equipment as directed for hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement, and peritoneal dialysis therapies.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their well-being since their last treatment; report complaints or observations to the FMCNA RN.
Evaluate vascular access for patency and report unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
Obtain and report pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
Perform vascular access cannulation and report cannulation difficulties or unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, sodium modeling, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including narrow venous limits (NVL 160).
Record accurate and timely vital signs and treatment parameters on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
Initiate renal replacement treatment according to prescribed orders, including setting blood and dialysate flow rates or providing peritoneal dialysis as prescribed by the attending nephrologist.
Collect and label specimens and ensure their timely delivery to the laboratory according to facility policy.
Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide interventions as prescribed by physician orders or directed by the FMCNA RN; monitor and report the patient's response and unusual findings.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion and perform and document relevant functions for discontinuing treatment.
Report changes or unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document the patient's response.
Monitor vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous pressures; provide appropriate interventions, document, and report unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures.
Before terminating venous access, evaluate the patient and obtain standing and sitting blood pressures; obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, and evaluate the patient before discharge, reporting unusual findings to the FMCNA RN.
Perform and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weights, and vital signs with initial identification.
Perform other duties as required.