Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Belmont, NC

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician Preceptor works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, maintains a safe and clean environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The position provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including monitoring patients, documenting treatment information, evaluating vascular access, and reporting changes in patient condition. It also serves as a preceptor for clinical staff by supporting orientation, training, competency evaluations, and infection-control practices. The role contributes to the Transitional Care Unit by coordinating care and education for newly admitted dialysis patients during their first four weeks of treatment and supporting their understanding of treatment options. The work takes place in a health care facility and involves interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, as well as travel between assigned facilities and other locations in the community. The position includes frequent standing and bending, lifting and moving patients, and handling supplies and equipment. Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials may occur. A high school diploma or equivalent and applicable PCT certification are required; continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS, along with any applicable state licensure, education, and training.
CCHT certification required, as stated in the job posting.
Commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs.
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 meet the described physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment.
Ability to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education regarding dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and assess their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Monitor patient responses and intradialytic issues, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently, and clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with self-care as applicable.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff, provide orientation and ongoing training, serve as a preceptor, and conduct competency evaluations and audits for PCTs.
Collaborate with Clinical Managers, Education Coordinators, RNs, and interdisciplinary team members on training, organizational development, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Educate appropriate personnel on facility water-system integrity, environmental integrity, and safety, in collaboration with RN and interdisciplinary staff.
Participate in and monitor Continuous Quality Improvement activities and ensure organizational policies and ethical business practices are incorporated into training.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis equipment and systems, perform required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Enter treatment data into clinical applications, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Assist with facility infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control policies and practices among staff, patients, and families, and participate in infection-control education and survey responses.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce new-patient education, coordinate appointments with facility staff, explain home dialysis and treatment options, and assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.