Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Winnfield, LA

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 patients throughout treatment, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and participating in quality improvement activities. The technician follows organizational policies and procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. Duties include preparing patients and equipment for treatment; assessing vascular access; initiating, monitoring, and discontinuing dialysis; recording treatment information; obtaining laboratory specimens; responding to patient status changes; and reporting concerns to a registered nurse or supervisor. The PCT also supports infection-control practices, record keeping, patient education, staff training, and transitional care for newly admitted dialysis patients, including coordination and education related to treatment options and home dialysis.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Hold any applicable state license and complete required education and training.
Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program; continued employment is dependent on completion.
Successfully complete CPR certification; continued employment is dependent on completion.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Be able to perform the described patient-care physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients, ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment, and perform pre- and post-treatment assessments, including weight and vital signs.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures, including setting machine parameters and ensuring required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient responses and intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings; evaluate patients before discharge and document treatment evaluations and parameters.
Perform machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, initiate the Solution Delivery System, and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, arrange their collection, and prepare laboratory requisitions.
Maintain accurate and timely treatment records, enter data in the designated clinical application, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare and organize patient charts and paperwork.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently, clean blood spills according to facility policy, and help maintain a safe, clean environment.
Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision and assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and assist with infection-control audits, practices, and patient and family education under appropriate direction.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforce education, coordinate care and discipline appointments, and support patients' understanding of treatment options and home dialysis.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the transitional care unit and assist with treatment-modality transitions, supply ordering, and inventory.