Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Tustin, CA

10d•$25 - $30

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, helping maintain a safe and clean environment, and supporting Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities that promote patient satisfaction and quality goals. The technician provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including assessing vascular access, obtaining vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments according to prescribed orders, monitoring patient responses, addressing treatment issues as directed, documenting care, and reporting significant changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. Additional work includes preparing and collecting laboratory specimens, maintaining treatment equipment and supplies, following infection-control practices, and supporting patient education and staff training under nursing supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, and assists with equipment and supply coordination. The work takes place in a health care facility and includes desk and computer work, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The role may involve exposure to infectious materials, regular heavy lifting and moving or assisting patients, frequent prolonged standing and bending, and occasional pushing or pulling equipment. Lifting may include solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally, with assistance or devices available for heavier items. Pay range: $25–$30 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Must hold any state licensure and complete education and training required for the role.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing and bending; assisting with patient movement and ambulation; and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and 40 pounds occasionally.
Employees are required to 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

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with prescribed orders, organizational procedures, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, 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 vascular-access evaluations.
Set up and operate hemodialysis machines; initiate, monitor, and discontinue 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 required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients' responses to dialysis, evaluate treatment problems, perform interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, assessments, interventions, patient responses, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, arrange storage and collection, and prepare laboratory requisitions as needed.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills using the appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare and organize 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.
Participate in CQI activities and infection-control audits; support and reinforce infection-control practices and patient/family education under the direction of the clinical manager or designee, as permitted by state law.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, verify nursing signatures, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and compile paperwork for placement in the chart.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, help coordinate appointments with appropriate staff, and assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with demonstrations of peritoneal dialysis setup, and coordinate transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain safe, clean, and orderly work areas and follow organizational business policies, procedures, and ethical practices.