Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Vista, CA

9d•$25 - $27

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the 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, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting quality improvement and patient satisfaction activities in accordance with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients throughout dialysis treatment, obtains and records vital signs and weights, evaluates vascular access, initiates and discontinues treatment according to prescribed orders, responds to intradialytic problems as directed, and documents treatment information accurately. The position also includes collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and supplies, supporting infection control, and assisting with patient and staff education under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports patients in understanding home dialysis and treatment options, and assists with transition planning and inventory. The role involves desk and computer work, direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and possible travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Physical duties include frequent and prolonged standing, bending, assisting patients with movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment. Employees may need to lift up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally, with assistance or material-handling devices available for heavier items. An Ishihara color blindness test is required as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet 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 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 the physical duties described, including frequent standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment.
Completion of the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling as prescribed.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct patient observation and machine safety checks.
Monitor patients' responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings; evaluate patients before discharge.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, interventions, patient responses, and other required information accurately and promptly in the appropriate records.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store them according to requirements, and ensure collection by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Clean blood spills and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and treatment areas according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain safe and clean work areas and follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Conduct dialysis treatment preparation tasks, complete required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities; enter treatment data accurately and review treatment sheets for completeness and required corrections.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection control audits, reinforce infection control practices, follow infection control policies and procedures, and support infection control education under the direction of the CM or designee as permitted by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as permitted by state law, coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines see patients according to plan.
Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with 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.