Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Branford, CT

4d•$20 - $33

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician 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 follows organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. Responsibilities include preparing for and monitoring dialysis treatments, assessing patients and vascular access, recording vital signs and treatment information, responding to patient or machine concerns, collecting laboratory specimens, and documenting care. The technician also supports infection-control practices, patient education, staff training, and, where applicable, transitional dialysis care for newly admitted patients. Dialysis experience is not required; paid training is provided.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational 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 physical demands described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement, and lifting solutions and other items.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine parameters, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Monitor patient responses and machine safety, evaluate and respond to intradialytic problems, document interventions, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Monitor vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous pressures, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments, and promptly clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Assist with training applicable direct patient-care staff under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment and follow organizational business, ethical, and infection-control policies and procedures.
Conduct required dialysis machine preparation and alarm testing, including Pressure Holding testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure required signatures and corrections are completed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and laboratory requisitions, and compile paperwork for placement in patient charts.
Assist with infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families under appropriate supervision.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate visits from appropriate staff disciplines, and help patients understand home dialysis and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with demonstrations such as peritoneal dialysis setup, coordinate transitions to patients’ chosen modalities, and assist with supply ordering and inventory.