Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Greenfield, IN

12d•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 environment, and contributing to quality improvement and patient satisfaction activities in accordance with organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients throughout dialysis treatment, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated procedures as permitted, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatment, monitors patient responses, responds to treatment issues as directed, and documents care. The position also involves laboratory specimen collection and preparation, infection-control practices, machine and environmental cleaning, preparation of treatment areas, and accurate clinical recordkeeping. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates with care-team members, helps patients understand home dialysis and treatment options, performs treatments on unit machines, and assists with supply ordering and inventory. The work takes place in a health care facility and includes interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and direct patient care involving physical activity such as lifting and moving patients, standing, bending, and handling supplies or equipment. Fresenius offers training and a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must hold any applicable state licensure and complete required education and training.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent and prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assistance with ambulation.
Ability to occasionally push or pull equipment using up to 15 pounds of force; frequently lift or lower solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet. Assistance and material-aid devices are available for heavier items.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist health care team members with patient-specific education on adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their prior treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform pre- and post-treatment evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients’ responses and vascular access during treatment, conduct machine safety checks, intervene as directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including treatment sheets, progress notes where applicable, and clinical application entries.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory specifications.
Prepare and efficiently use supplies and equipment, and monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; and promptly clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Prepare dialysis treatment areas and machines, perform required pretreatment alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection-control audits; follow and reinforce infection-control practices and education as directed.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care with appropriate staff.
Reinforce education for new patients, support understanding of home dialysis products and treatment options, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and assist with modality transitions.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with TCU supply ordering and inventory.