Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Londonderry, NH

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Dialysis Preceptor 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 operating hemodialysis machines, assisting with patient care and education, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting quality improvement activities. The position also serves as a preceptor, supporting clinical staff training, competency evaluation, infection control practices, and organizational education programs. The PCT provides care throughout dialysis treatments, including evaluating vascular access, collecting vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments, monitoring patient responses, documenting treatment information, and reporting changes in condition. The role also supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, helps coordinate transitional care and modality education, and assists with equipment preparation, records, laboratory specimens, and infection control audits. Work takes place in a health care facility and includes interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, as well as travel between assigned facilities and other locations. The work may involve exposure to infectious materials, frequent and prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting dialysis solutions and equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be available for essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS; any applicable state licensure, education, and training are required.
Must have dialysis experience and an active CCHT, as stated in the job heading.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attend and actively participate in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Attend Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally; assistance and material-handling devices are available for heavier items.
Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test 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

Provide patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate.
Welcome patients and inquire about their condition since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Measure and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders and operate the dialysis machine using prescribed blood and dialysate flow settings.
Evaluate and respond to intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, monitor patient response, and report significant changes to the nurse or supervisor.
Perform treatment discontinuation procedures, assess patients before discharge, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and document care.
Calculate and enter prescribed machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, evaluations, interventions, and other patient information accurately and promptly.
Observe patients, conduct machine safety checks, monitor vascular access pressures, and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently; clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision, as applicable.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff and assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training of direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training in accordance with applicable regulations, organizational standards, and training materials.
Conduct ongoing competency evaluations and audits for other PCTs and provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.
Collaborate with Clinical Managers, Education Coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members on training, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Educate appropriate personnel on facility water-system integrity, environmental integrity, and patient and staff safety as permitted by local regulations.
Support communication and implementation of training and organizational development programs; help schedule and deliver staff education.
Maintain safe, clean, and aesthetically appropriate work areas; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis equipment, complete required pretreatment alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data into the designated clinical application.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and signatures, arrange appropriate completion or correction of omitted entries, and prepare patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Assist with facility infection control audits, monitor and reinforce adherence to infection control policies, and support related staff and patient education.
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 appropriate staff, 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 appropriate, coordinate transition to the patient's chosen modality, and assist with TCU supply ordering and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.