Patient Care Technician - PCT - Training Provided

Fresenius Medical Care•Methuen, MA

9d•$20 - $27

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. No prior dialysis experience is required; the position provides 11 weeks of paid, on-the-job training. Continued employment depends on successful completion of the dialysis training program and CPR certification. National certification must be completed within the applicable state or CMS timeline; certification leads to a pay increase and promotion. The position provides direct patient care, including patient assessment, vascular access care, dialysis treatment setup and monitoring, documentation, specimen collection, and reporting changes in patient condition. In a Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and helps coordinate education and transition to the patient’s chosen treatment modality. The work includes desk and computer tasks and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required, and travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required. The health care facility environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. The role involves frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and assisting patients with ambulation. Equipment or coworkers may assist with lifting. The position may require pushing or pulling equipment with up to 15 pounds of force, frequently lifting or lowering solutions weighing up to 30 pounds, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all 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 for continued employment.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient ambulation and movement, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment as described.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility.
Experience as a nursing assistant, CNA, or phlebotomist is noted as a relevant background.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous 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 evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow settings.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion, discontinue treatment according to established procedures, assess patients before discharge, and achieve hemostasis and apply dressings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine settings, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, patient assessments, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, unusual findings, or vascular access concerns to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
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 organizational policies, procedures, systems, ethical business practices, and infection-control procedures.
Maintain safe and clean surroundings; clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data and review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for routine or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control education and practices for staff, patients, and families as permitted by state law.
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, coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup; 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.