Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Clackamas, OR

About The Position

Functions 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. The position supports home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, helps set up home dialysis equipment, and maintains a safe and clean environment in the home therapy program. Duties must comply with organization policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and the employee’s training and permitted scope of practice. The technician supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvements. Responsibilities include assisting with patient visits and training, collecting and reporting treatment information, preparing supplies and specimens, maintaining treatment areas and records, coordinating appointments and supplies, and providing clerical support. For home hemodialysis, the technician may reinforce training, prepare and operate equipment as directed, monitor and document treatment, perform safety checks, and report patient changes to the home therapies registered nurse. For peritoneal dialysis, duties may include reinforcing training, troubleshooting equipment and connectivity, preparing cyclers and solutions, assisting with exit-site care, and performing phlebotomy when authorized. The role also participates in staff recruitment, orientation, and ongoing training activities.

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.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment as described.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; regional, Business Unit, and corporate meeting travel may be required.
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

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 clinic visit intake.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, nurses, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review treatment records and report missing or abnormal data to the home therapies registered nurse.
Assist with electronic reconciliation of home treatments, medications, and oral nutritional supplements; report missing data or orders.
Assist home therapies registered nurses with home visits and provide home support as applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for laboratory testing and specimens for shipping; assist with transplant specimen tracking and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document opening and closing chores; disinfect equipment and prepare, stock, and maintain exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms.
Manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste; assist patients and care partners with supply ordering and inventory management.
Schedule appointments and contact patients or caregivers with appointment information and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; maintain logs and tracking.
Order and track clinic or office supplies as directed; participate in medical-record, infection-control, and other audits as directed.
Participate in staff huddles and meetings; help collect admission documentation and maintain patient charts; perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and provider-office contact.
Set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect home hemodialysis machines as directed; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity issues.
Prepare dialysate and dialysis supplies for home hemodialysis treatment according to directions and applicable orders.
Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormal findings to the home therapies registered nurse.
Initiate home hemodialysis treatment; monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data; perform required safety checks.
Report significant patient-status changes, provide directed and permissible interventions in response to treatment events, and document actions in the medical record.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs; ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area; report findings to the home therapies registered nurse.
Assist with water and dialysate testing on quarterly, semi-annual, and annual schedules as directed.
Troubleshoot peritoneal dialysis cyclers, modems, and connectivity; set up cyclers and prepare and warm solutions as directed.
Perform phlebotomy for prescribed laboratory testing when directed and when state and competency requirements are met; assist with exit-site care and tracking of peritoneal dialysis equipment.
Participate in recruitment of clinical staff, assist with clinical orientation and ongoing staff training, and work with interdisciplinary team members to promote awareness of home therapies.