Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Chicago, IL

4d•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, assisting with patient care and education, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting quality improvement activities. Dialysis experience is not required; on-the-job training is provided. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients during treatment, assesses vascular access, records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures, and documents treatment information. The technician reports changes in patient condition, performs machine safety checks, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, supports infection control, and helps maintain treatment supplies and equipment. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT helps coordinate new patients’ first four weeks of dialysis and supports education about treatment and home dialysis options. The role involves direct patient care in a health care facility, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, and regularly lifting or moving patients. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment has air temperature control and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program for continued employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification for continued employment.
Demonstrate commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing and bending; regular heavy lifting and moving of patients; occasional pushing or pulling of equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; and frequent lifting or lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.
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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and according to organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Set up, operate, and perform safety checks on hemodialysis machines, including required alarm testing and solution delivery system initiation.
Welcome assigned patients, inquire about their wellbeing, assess vascular access, obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate patients before and after treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures; respond to intradialytic problems as directed.
Perform vascular access cannulation and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law; obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly in required records and clinical applications.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory testing; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange pickup of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills and maintain a safe, clean environment.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently and help prevent wastage.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with patient-specific education, including dialysis adequacy, disease process, vascular access, infection control, and treatment options, as allowed by state law.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection control audits, and support adherence to infection control practices.
Prepare initial patient charts, compile paperwork, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare laboratory requisitions and specimens.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, coordinate care and appointments, reinforce education, support understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, assist with modality transitions, and help manage supplies and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; attend regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings if required.