Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Hendersonville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 and assisting in maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement. This role involves patient education, administering dialysis treatments, monitoring patient response, and performing necessary procedures for treatment initiation and discontinuation. It also includes calculating and programming dialysis machine settings, documenting treatment data, and reporting any significant changes in patient condition. The position requires performing machine safety checks, cleaning equipment, and preparing/collecting laboratory specimens. Additionally, the PCT Preceptor assists with facility infection control audits, reinforces infection control practices, and supports new hire orientation and ongoing training. A key aspect is functioning as a preceptor for direct patient care training, ensuring competency evaluations, and collaborating with management on quality standards and educational programs. The role also involves supporting transitional care for newly admitted patients, reinforcing education, coordinating care, and assisting with understanding home dialysis options and peritoneal dialysis setup. The position requires adherence to all policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Must have a valid PCT national certification or state specific certification as defined by Center for Medicaid/Medicare (CMS).
All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in all applicable preceptor training programs as established by education leadership.
At least five years patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program.
Successful completion of CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding dialysis adequacy measures and disease process.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated.
Obtain pre and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
Initiate and monitor dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders.
Evaluate and intervene for intradialytic problems.
Discontinue dialysis treatments according to established procedures and ensure hemostasis.
Calculate and program dialysis machine settings for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure safety alarms are enabled.
Record accurate and timely treatment data on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
Document information related to patient treatment, including progress notes.
Report significant patient information or changes in condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform and document machine safety checks and interventions for unusual patient status.
Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment and report any unusual findings.
Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare, organize, and utilize supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care and assist as applicable.
Participate in the recruitment process for new clinical staff.
Assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training of direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
Function as a preceptor in direct patient care training.
Deliver and maintain on-going competency evaluations/audits for other PCTs.
Collaborate with Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator on quality standards and education.
Assist in training of direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.
Provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.
Educate personnel regarding the integrity and safety of facility water systems.
Educate personnel regarding the maintenance of environmental integrity and safety.
Ensure strong communication regarding training and organizational development programs.
Participate in implementing and designing educational programs for PCT staff.
Collaborate in the scheduling and implementation of training programs.
Monitor processes in the delivery of patient care through Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
Ensure all organization business policies and procedures are incorporated into training.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machine, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
Perform pre-treatment dialysis machine alarm testing.
Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
Complete and document ongoing participation in CQI activities.
Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure proper documentation.
Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork.
Prepare/print lab requisitions and collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples.
Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
Act as a change agent for infection control practices within the clinic.
Monitor staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
Reinforce new hire employee adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
Support staff and patient engagement on infection control practices.
Reinforce patient and staff adherence to infection control policies and procedures through visual media.
Participate in education response to internal and external facility surveys.
Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families.
Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care related matters for new patients.
Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits.
Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.