Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Bridgeport, WV

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations. The role assists with home dialysis equipment setup and upkeep of a safe, clean working environment, while supporting quality enhancement and continuous improvement activities. The PCT performs duties under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), and as permitted by applicable law. Duties span patient intake and communication, treatment-record and medication reconciliation support, supply and specimen management, room and equipment preparation, scheduling, documentation, and clerical tasks. The technician may also reinforce home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) training and support treatments, equipment, and patients as directed. For HHD, duties may include machine setup and disinfection, preparation of dialysate and supplies, access evaluation, treatment initiation and monitoring, safety checks, documentation, reporting changes to the HT RN, and support with water and dialysate testing. For PD, duties may include troubleshooting cyclers and connectivity, phlebotomy when qualified and directed, setting up cyclers and solutions, exit-site care, and equipment tracking. The position also contributes to staff recruitment, orientation, and training support. The work includes desk and computer tasks, direct interaction with patients and health care staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials may occur. The role involves frequent and prolonged standing, bending, patient handling, and lifting solutions and equipment, with assistance or devices available for heavier items. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not automatically preclude employment, and accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
Any 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.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including frequent standing and bending, patient handling, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally; assistance or material-assist devices are available for heavier items.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not automatically preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Reinforce HHD and/or PD training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and collect information for the Clinic Visit Intake form.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, staff, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review treatment records and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic treatment, medication, and oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and report missing data or orders.
Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support when applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for laboratory testing and specimens for shipping; assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document daily opening and closing chores; disinfect machines and other equipment between visits and routinely.
Prepare training, treatment, and exam rooms and maintain supplies and supply-management processes.
Schedule appointments and contact patients or caregivers with appointment details and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; assist patients and care partners with supply ordering and inventory management.
Maintain logs and tracking; order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical-record, infection-control, and other audits as directed; collaborate in staff huddles and meetings.
Help collect admission documentation and prepare and maintain patient charts; perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
Set up, tear down, program, test, troubleshoot, and disinfect HHD machines and related tools or connectivity, as directed.
Prepare dialysate and HHD supplies according to direction and standing or provider orders.
Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormalities to the HT RN.
Initiate HHD treatment and monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data; perform and document required safety checks.
Report significant patient-status changes, provide directed and permissible interventions, and document in the medical record.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, report findings to the HT RN, and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
Troubleshoot PD cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy when qualified and directed.
Set up PD cyclers, prepare and warm PD solutions, assist with exit-site care, and help track PD equipment.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff and assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training of home therapies and facility personnel.
Partner with interdisciplinary team members to develop ways to improve awareness of Home Therapies among in-center staff and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.