Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Orangeburg, SC

About The Position

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies and procedures and applicable regulations. The role sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, maintains a safe and clean working environment, and supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement. The preceptor provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing patients and vascular access, initiating and monitoring treatment, responding to patient needs, documenting treatment information, and reporting changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. The role also supports staff recruitment, orientation, training, competency evaluations, and infection-control practices. Additional duties include maintaining equipment and treatment areas, managing records and laboratory specimens, and coordinating care and education for patients in the Transitional Care Unit. The job involves direct patient care and work in a health care facility. It includes interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and possible travel to regional, business-unit, and corporate meetings. Employees may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. The role includes frequent and prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, and handling solutions and equipment. Equipment aids and coworkers may assist with heavier items. A two-person assist program and material-assist devices are available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS; all applicable state licensure, education, and training are required.
CCHT certification is required.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Attendance at Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment.
Must 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 about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome patients and assess their wellbeing before treatment.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, and perform patient evaluations before, during, and after treatment.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders and calculate and enter machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Monitor patients’ response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide prescribed or directed interventions, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform and document treatment discontinuation, reinfusion, hemostasis, dressing, and patient discharge evaluation procedures.
Ensure safety alarms are enabled and perform machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens.
Maintain a safe, clean work area; promptly clean blood spills; prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision, as applicable.
Participate in recruitment of clinical staff and assist with staff orientation, training, ongoing development, and competency evaluations or audits.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training in accordance with applicable state guidelines, organizational standards, policies, and training manuals.
Collaborate with clinical managers, education coordinators, RNs, and interdisciplinary team members to deliver training, promote quality standards, and support CQI activities.
Educate appropriate personnel about facility water-system integrity and environmental safety, as allowed by local regulations.
Coordinate and support training programs and maintain communication among clinical managers, education coordinators, direct patient care staff, and support staff.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; prepare machines and perform required alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT).
Initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Complete CQI documentation, enter treatment data, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Assist with facility infection-control audits, monitor adherence to infection-control practices under direction, reinforce policies and education, and participate in responses to facility surveys.
Follow newly admitted Transitional Care Unit patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care and education.
Support patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations, and assist with transition to the patient’s selected modality.
Perform treatments on all machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.