Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and patient training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organizational policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and required training. It also assists with home dialysis equipment setup and maintaining a safe, clean environment within the home therapies program. The technician supports the Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement. The position supports home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) services, including reinforcing patient training, preparing and disinfecting equipment, assisting with treatment activities, collecting or preparing laboratory specimens, addressing equipment and connectivity issues, and documenting patient and treatment information. It also includes patient communication, scheduling, supply and inventory management, recordkeeping, clinic upkeep, and other administrative duties. All duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse and as permitted by applicable state laws, regulations, and policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS).
All applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
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.
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.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent, prolonged standing; bending; assisting with patient lifting, movement, and ambulation; and lifting and lowering solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally to a height of five feet.
Ability to occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and gather information for the Clinic Visit Intake form.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, nurses, staff, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review treatment records for completeness and report missing or abnormal data to the Home Therapies registered nurse.
Assist with electronic reconciliation of home treatments, medications, and oral nutritional supplements, and report missing data or orders.
Assist Home Therapies registered nurses with home visits and provide home support as applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and specimens for shipping; assist with transplant specimen tracking and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document daily opening and closing chores; disinfect equipment between patient visits and routinely.
Prepare training, treatment, and exam rooms and stock rooms with supplies; manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers about appointment dates, times, and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health.
Assist patients and care partners with supply and inventory ordering and management; maintain logs and tracking.
Order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audit processes as directed.
Collaborate during staff huddles and meetings; help collect patient admission documentation and maintain electronic or paper charts as directed.
Perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
For home hemodialysis, set up, take down, program, test, and disinfect machines; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity; and prepare dialysate and treatment supplies as directed.
Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormalities to the Home Therapies registered nurse.
Initiate home hemodialysis treatment and monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data.
Perform and document treatment safety checks at required intervals; report significant changes in patient status and document them.
Provide and document interventions during treatment for interdialytic events as directed and permissible.
Obtain and document pre-treatment termination and post-treatment vital signs, report findings to the Home Therapies registered nurse, and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
For peritoneal dialysis, troubleshoot cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy as directed and when qualified; set up cyclers and prepare and warm solutions; assist with exit-site care; and potentially track equipment.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff, assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training, and help orient facility staff to the organization.
Partner with interdisciplinary team members to develop ideas that improve awareness of home therapies among in-center staff and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.