Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care • Urbana, IL

6d • $15 - $24

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 a safe and clean care environment, and participating in quality improvement activities related to patient satisfaction and organizational quality goals.

The PCT welcomes and monitors patients throughout treatment; obtains and documents vital signs, weights, and treatment parameters; evaluates vascular access; initiates and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders and procedures; and responds to treatment-related issues as directed. The role also includes documenting care, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, cleaning and testing equipment, supporting infection-control practices, and assisting with staff training under nurse supervision.

In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, assists patients in understanding home dialysis and treatment options, supports transitions to the patient’s chosen modality, and helps manage supplies and inventory.

The position involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is a temperature-controlled health care facility with moderate noise and possible exposure to infectious materials. Direct patient care regularly involves lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation, frequent prolonged standing, and bending. The position may also require pushing or pulling equipment and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
• Must meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
• 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 stated physical duties, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and 40 pounds occasionally.
• Must 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

• Assist health care team members with patient-specific education on adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
• Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
• Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including required patient identification and evaluations.
• Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
• Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine settings, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
• Ensure required safety alarms are enabled and conduct patient and machine safety checks.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis, identify intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Monitor vascular access and treatment pressures, intervene as needed, and document and report unusual findings.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
• Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including treatment sheets, progress notes when applicable, and clinical application data.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure signatures and omitted entries are addressed by appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork for admission and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; immediately clean blood spills according to facility policy.
• Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision.
• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment and follow organizational business, ethical, and infection-control policies and procedures.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and assist with infection-control audits and education as directed.
• Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce education for new patients and families as permitted by state law, and coordinate with facility staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care.
• Help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
• Assist with coordination of the patient’s transition to their chosen modality and with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
• Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit.
• Travel between assigned facilities and community locations and, when required, attend regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential performance-based bonuses, depending on company and individual performance, for bonus-eligible positions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED