Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Jackson, MS

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) functions as part of a dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, supporting quality improvement activities, and helping patients achieve the organization’s quality goals. The PCT provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including patient assessment, vascular access evaluation and cannulation, treatment initiation and discontinuation, monitoring and documenting patient status, responding to treatment issues, and collecting laboratory specimens. The position also serves as a preceptor, assisting with staff recruitment, orientation, training, and competency evaluations. Additional responsibilities include infection control, facility and equipment upkeep, accurate recordkeeping, and supporting transitional care for newly admitted dialysis patients during their first four weeks of treatment. The work takes place in a health care facility and involves interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians, as well as travel between assigned facilities and other community locations. Direct patient care involves frequent prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies. The employee may be exposed to infectious materials and may need to lift solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally. A color blindness test is required as a condition of employment; failure does not automatically preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Center for Medicaid/Medicare (CMS).
Any applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the position.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to perform the physical functions of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow settings.
Monitor patients’ response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide prescribed or directed interventions.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion, discontinue treatment according to established procedures, assess patients before termination of venous access, and obtain hemostasis and apply dressings.
Evaluate patients before discharge and record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weights, and vital signs with initial identification.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Document treatment parameters, patient status, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly; report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment, intervene as appropriate, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, collect, label, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to required specifications.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectants and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with self-care as applicable.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff and assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training for direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training, conduct competency evaluations and audits, and support staff development in accordance with applicable guidelines and standards.
Collaborate with Clinical Managers and Education Coordinators to support quality standards, regulatory and legal requirements, continuous quality improvement, and training programs.
Educate appropriate personnel on water-system integrity and facility environmental safety in partnership with RN and interdisciplinary team staff, as permitted by local regulations.
Coordinate and support educational programs, training schedules, organizational development initiatives, and CQI activities.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis machines and conduct required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Testing; initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Complete CQI documentation, enter treatment data into the designated clinical application, review treatment sheets for completeness, and ensure missing entries are addressed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection control audits, monitor and reinforce adherence to infection control policies, and support related education for staff, patients, and families under the direction of the Clinical Manager or designee.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, coordinate appointments with relevant staff disciplines, and support patient understanding of home dialysis and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as applicable, and help coordinate transitions to patients’ chosen modalities.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit.