Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Southington, CT

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy to patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This role involves operating hemodialysis machines, assisting in maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the organization's commitment to quality improvement. The PCT is responsible for patient-related education, monitoring patient well-being, and performing various treatment-related tasks, including vascular access cannulation, vital sign monitoring, and machine programming. Accurate documentation of patient treatment information is crucial, as is reporting any significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor. The position also involves conducting machine safety checks, cleaning equipment, and preparing/collecting laboratory specimens. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT guides newly admitted patients through their initial dialysis treatments, reinforces education, and assists with coordinating care and understanding treatment options. The company is a leading provider of renal care products and services, offering extensive training and a supportive work environment.

Requirements

High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program.
Successful completion of CPR certification.
Must pass the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment (or reasonable accommodations can be made).

Nice To Haves

No prior dialysis experience required; 12 weeks of paid & structured training with an assigned Preceptor & Educator.

Responsibilities

Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding dialysis adequacy measures and disease process.
Welcome assigned patients, inquire about their well-being, and evaluate vascular access.
Perform vascular access cannulation and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
Obtain pre and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow.
Evaluate and intervene for intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed.
Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy.
Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform discontinuation procedures.
Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, obtain hemostasis, and apply appropriate dressings.
Calculate and enter patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters.
Accurately document information related to patient treatment, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes.
Report significant information and/or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks.
Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document patients' response.
Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, provide intervention as needed, and report findings.
Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
Ensure all blood spills are immediately cleaned.
Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment.
Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of an RN.
Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff.
Follow all organization business policies and procedures.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics, ensuring all areas are safe and clean.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
Perform all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate.
Perform all required pre-treatment dialysis machine alarm testing.
Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures and corrections are documented.
Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork.
Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat Lab specimens.
Collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples according to laboratory specifications.
Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
Follow infection control policies and procedures.
Participate in and reinforce infection control education of patients and families.
Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce all education and care related matters for new patients.
Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits.
Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.