Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Reading, PA

About The Position

The Home Therapy Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable state and federal regulations. It assists with home dialysis equipment setup and maintaining a safe, clean working environment, and supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement, patient satisfaction, and process improvement activities. The PCT performs duties under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), as permitted by state laws, regulations, and policies. The work includes supporting home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, patient visits and training, equipment and supply management, treatment documentation, laboratory specimen handling, scheduling, and clerical tasks. The role may include travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and may require travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS).
Any applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations within the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving heavy lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, prolonged standing, bending, and occasional pushing or pulling of equipment.
Ability to lift and lower solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds as high as five feet; assistance and material-assist devices are available for heavier items.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility.

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis (HHD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and gather information for Clinic Visit Intake forms.
Maintain communication and collaboration with patients, care partners, the HT RN, care staff, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic home treatment, medication, and oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and report missing information or orders.
Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support where applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and specimens for shipping; assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document daily opening and closing chores; disinfect dialysis machines and other equipment between visits and routinely.
Prepare and stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms; manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers about dates, times, and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; assist patients and care partners with supply and inventory ordering and management.
Maintain logs and tracking; order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audits as directed, and collaborate during staff huddles and meetings.
Collect required admission documentation and prepare and maintain patient charts as directed; perform assigned clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
Set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect HHD machines as directed; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity issues.
Prepare dialysate and HHD supplies according to directions and standing or provider orders.
Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormal findings to the HT RN.
Initiate HHD treatment; monitor and document patient status, vital signs, machine data, and safety checks at required intervals.
Report significant changes in patient status during treatment and document them; provide and document directed and permissible interventions in response to interdialytic events.
Obtain and document pre-treatment termination and post-treatment vital signs, report results to the HT RN, and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
Troubleshoot PD cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy when state and competency requirements are met.
Set up PD cyclers and prepare and warm PD solutions as directed; assist with exit site care and may help track PD equipment.
Participate in recruitment of clinical staff, assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training, and help orient facility staff to the organization.
Partner with interdisciplinary team members to develop ideas that increase awareness of Home Therapies among in-center staff and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.