Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Jackson, MS

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) - Dialysis Preceptor 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 work environment, and contributing to the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and patient satisfaction efforts. The position provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including patient education and assessment, vascular access care, treatment initiation and discontinuation, monitoring, documentation, specimen collection, and reporting changes in patient condition. As a preceptor, the PCT supports staff recruitment, orientation, training, competency evaluation, and infection-control education in collaboration with clinical leadership and education staff. The role also supports transitional care for newly admitted dialysis patients, including coordinating their first four weeks of care, reinforcing education about treatment and modality options, and helping coordinate transitions to a chosen modality. Work takes place in a health care facility and involves interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Direct care requires frequent standing and bending, assisting patients with lifting and ambulation, and handling solutions and equipment within the stated weight limits.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS, along with any applicable state licensure, education, and training.
Commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Attendance at Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to perform the physical demands of direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, assisting with patient lifting and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment as described.
Ability to 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 patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide prescribed or directed interventions.
Program dialysis machines for prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment times, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly; complete treatment sheets and applicable progress notes.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, unusual findings, and vascular access concerns to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks and monitor patients who are performing self-care under RN supervision; assist with self-care as applicable.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste; clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Participate in recruitment of clinical staff and assist with staff orientation, training, competency evaluations, audits, and developmental support.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training in accordance with applicable state requirements, organizational standards, and policies.
Collaborate with clinical managers, education coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members on staff education, training programs, and quality standards.
Educate appropriate personnel about water-system integrity, environmental integrity, patient and staff safety, and organizational policies as permitted by local regulations.
Participate in CQI activities and monitor patient-care processes; incorporate applicable business policies and ethical practices into training.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis equipment and conduct required pretreatment machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Testing (PHT); initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Enter treatment data into clinical applications, review treatment sheets for completeness and signatures, and ensure omissions or corrections are addressed by appropriate staff.
Prepare admission charts and paperwork, print laboratory requisitions, and ensure specimen collection by the appropriate courier.
Assist with facility infection-control audits and reinforce staff and patient adherence to infection-control policies through monitoring, onboarding, education, meetings, and visual materials.
Participate in infection-control education and survey-response activities under the direction of the clinical manager or education department.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate appointments with appropriate staff, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the transitional care unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, help coordinate transitions to a patient’s chosen modality, and assist with TCU supply ordering and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community, and attend regional, business unit, or corporate meetings when required.