Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Sweetwater, TX

9d•Onsite

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 environment, and participating in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities that support patient satisfaction and quality goals. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, obtains and records pre- and post-treatment measurements, evaluates vascular access, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures, and responds to treatment issues under direction. The role also involves operating and checking dialysis equipment, documenting treatment information, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining infection-control practices, and assisting with patient education and staff training under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, helps patients understand home dialysis and treatment options, and assists with supplies and inventory. The work includes travel between assigned facilities and community locations and direct patient care involving lifting, moving, and assisting patients.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
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 direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation; frequent prolonged standing and bending; occasional pushing or pulling of equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequent lifting and lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.
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

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Assist patients with education regarding dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, vascular access, infection control, home dialysis, and treatment options, as allowed by state law and under appropriate supervision.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain, record, and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, treatment parameters, and patient evaluations, including initial identification.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood and dialysate flow, and program ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling as prescribed.
Check machine safety and alarms, monitor patients’ responses to treatment, identify intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Discontinue treatment according to established procedures, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, evaluate patients before discharge, and document treatment completion.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, unusual findings, and treatment interventions or responses to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage; clean blood spills and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas according to facility policy.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.
Maintain a safe, clean environment and follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, ethical business practices, and infection-control practices.
Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and arrange completion or correction of omitted entries by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with collecting information for infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee, as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care with appropriate staff.
Help ensure patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.