Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Bullhead City, AZ

13d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe, effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organization policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and supports quality improvement and patient satisfaction activities. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, performs pre- and post-treatment assessments, prepares and operates dialysis equipment, and documents treatment and patient information. The role includes evaluating vascular access, cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, responding to treatment issues under direction, collecting laboratory specimens, and reporting changes in patient condition to a registered nurse or supervisor. The technician also supports infection control, staff training, and, in transitional care, newly admitted patients as they learn about dialysis and treatment options. The position involves direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community, frequent standing and bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials may occur. High school diploma or GED is required. Employees must meet applicable CMS-approved certification requirements within the required timeline, satisfy any applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements, complete the organization’s dialysis training program, and successfully complete CPR certification for continued employment. Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred.

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.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification; continued employment is dependent on successful completion.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions and supplies as described in the posting.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations in the community.
Complete 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

Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last dialysis treatment.
Assist with patient education concerning adequacy measures, disease process, and vascular access, as appropriate and permitted by state law.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and record pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow, and calculate and enter prescribed machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling.
Monitor patient responses to therapy, evaluate treatment problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant information or changes to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Discontinue dialysis according to established procedures, assess the patient before discharge, obtain hemostasis, and apply appropriate dressings.
Perform machine safety checks, ensure required safety alarms are enabled, and conduct pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding testing.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly in treatment sheets and designated clinical applications.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, collect, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection control audits; reinforce infection control practices and education as directed.
Prepare patient admission charts and paperwork, prepare laboratory requisitions, and review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate corrections.
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, coordinate appropriate staff appointments, explain home dialysis products and benefits, and help patients understand treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with transitions to patients’ chosen modalities, and help coordinate TCU supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment and follow organization policies, procedures, and ethical business practices.