Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Kenwood, OH

11d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) 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 follows organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable state and federal regulations. It is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, helping maintain a safe and clean environment, and supporting quality enhancement and continuous quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures, responds to treatment issues as directed, and documents treatment parameters and patient responses. The position also handles prescribed laboratory specimen collection and preparation, dialysis equipment cleaning and safety checks, infection-control practices, and related recordkeeping. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports new patients during their first four weeks of dialysis by reinforcing education, coordinating care with facility staff, explaining home dialysis and treatment options, supporting transitions to the patient's chosen modality, and assisting with equipment and supply inventory. The work includes computer and desk tasks, regular interaction with patients and care teams, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Direct patient care involves frequent, prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation. The employee may also push or pull equipment and lift solutions and other items, with assistance or devices available for heavier items.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
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.
Ability to perform frequent, prolonged standing and bending, assist with patient lifting, moving, and ambulation, and lift solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds as high as five feet; assistance or material-assist devices are available for heavier items.
Ability to occasionally push or pull equipment using up to 15 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask 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, weights, and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescriptions and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine settings, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients' responses to dialysis, assess intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, responses, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Perform machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments, and immediately clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow infection-control policies and procedures.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection-control audits, and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families as directed and as permitted by state law.
Enter treatment information in the designated clinical application; review treatment sheets for completeness and follow up on omitted or incorrect entries with appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients; liaise with facility staff to coordinate services and support the patient experience.
Help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup and supporting transitions 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.
Follow organization business policies, procedures, systems, ethical business practices, and customer service standards.