Patient Care Technician- PCT- Training Provided

Fresenius Medical Care•Pottstown, PA

12d

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, procedures, and training and applicable regulations. Sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and participates in Quality Enhancement Program and Continuous Quality Improvement activities. The role includes patient education and treatment support, accurate clinical documentation, infection-control practices, and—where assigned—coordination of care and education for newly admitted patients in the Transitional Care Unit. Training is provided; continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet any applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrate commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification; continued employment depends on completion.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including frequent standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Assist with patient-specific education about adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access during treatment.
Obtain and record pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights; assess patients before and after treatment and before discharge.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis according to prescribed orders and established procedures, including setting blood and dialysate flow and patient-specific machine programming.
Monitor patient responses and machine safety, identify and report changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor, and provide and document interventions as directed.
Ensure safety alarms are enabled and perform required machine safety checks and pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to requirements.
Complete accurate and timely treatment records, clinical application entries, progress notes where applicable, and other required documentation; review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment, prevent wastage, and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Clean blood spills promptly with appropriate disinfectant and follow infection-control policies and procedures.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and assist with infection-control audits and education under the direction of the appropriate staff.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision and monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, help them understand home dialysis products and treatment options, and assist with peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations and modality transitions.
Coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the care plan.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with its supply ordering and inventory.