Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Tappahannock, VA

27d•$15 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) 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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean clinical environment, and participating in quality improvement activities related to patient satisfaction and quality goals. The technician monitors patients before, during, and after treatment; documents treatment information; reports changes in patient condition; and assists with laboratory procedures and infection control. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports patients in understanding treatment and home dialysis options, and assists with modality transitions and supply inventory. The position involves work in a health care facility, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, frequent patient interaction, and direct physical care that can include lifting and moving patients and supplies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
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 perform the physical demands described, including frequent standing and bending, patient assistance and movement, and lifting solutions and supplies.
Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility.

Responsibilities

Assist health care team members with patient-specific education about adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Evaluate and respond to intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, monitor patient response, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine settings, including ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings; evaluate patients before discharge.
Record accurate, timely treatment information, vital signs, treatment parameters, interventions, and patient responses in the required documentation and clinical applications.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and document specimens, and ensure they are collected by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Clean blood spills promptly with the appropriate disinfectant and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organization policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment; disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatment, perform and document required machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure missing entries are corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork; prepare lab requisitions and collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples according to specifications.
Assist with infection control audits, support adherence to infection control practices, follow infection control policies, and reinforce patient and family education under appropriate direction.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients and liaise with staff to ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the patient’s plan.
Support patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, 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.