Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•San Gabriel, CA

10d

About The Position

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The position is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. The Patient Care Technician provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing vascular access, obtaining and documenting weights and vital signs, initiating and discontinuing treatments, monitoring patient response, addressing treatment issues as directed, collecting laboratory specimens, and reporting changes in condition to nursing staff. The role also supports patient education, self-care, infection-control practices, and the transition of newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis. As a preceptor, the technician participates in clinical staff recruitment, orientation, training, competency evaluations, and audits. The role collaborates with clinical managers, education coordinators, registered nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to support quality standards, regulatory compliance, staff development, and effective communication. Additional duties include machine and facility cleaning, treatment documentation, chart preparation, CQI participation, infection-control audits, and support for the Transitional Care Unit. The work takes place in a health care facility and includes desk and computer work, interaction with patients and staff, and travel between assigned facilities or other locations. The position may involve exposure to infectious materials, frequent and prolonged standing, bending, and direct patient assistance with lifting, moving, and ambulation. The role may require lifting solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally, as well as occasional pushing or pulling equipment with up to 15 pounds of force. Assistance and material-handling devices are available for heavier items.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Center for Medicaid/Medicare (CMS).
All applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the position.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification; continued employment depends on completion.
Ability to perform the physical demands of direct patient care, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.
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 dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access and perform cannulation and delegated heparin administration as allowed by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood-flow and dialysate-flow settings; calculate and enter prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling.
Monitor patients and machine safety during treatment, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to nursing staff.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion, discontinue treatments according to established procedures, assess patients before discharge, obtain hemostasis, and apply appropriate dressings.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly, including on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes where applicable.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier pickup of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; promptly clean blood spills; disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; and prepare machines for treatment, including required alarm testing.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff and assist with orientation and ongoing training of direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training, conduct ongoing competency evaluations and audits, and support staff development in accordance with applicable guidelines and organizational standards.
Collaborate with clinical managers, education coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members on training, quality standards, regulatory requirements, CQI, and organizational development.
Support education about facility water-system integrity, environmental integrity, patient and staff safety, and infection-control practices as allowed by law and directed by clinical leadership.
Participate in CQI activities, infection-control audits, staff and patient engagement, and education responses to facility surveys.
Prepare patient charts and paperwork for admission, prepare and print laboratory requisitions, and review treatment sheets for completeness and required signatures.
Support newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, coordinate transitional care and staff visits, reinforce education, help patients understand home dialysis and treatment options, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as applicable, and assist with modality transitions and TCU supply inventory.
Attend applicable preceptor and skill-based training programs as assigned.
Complete the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification to remain employed.