Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Locust Grove, GA

6d•Onsite

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, following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean treatment environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and organizational quality goals. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients throughout dialysis treatment; evaluates and cannulates vascular access; obtains and documents vital signs, weights, and treatment parameters; initiates, monitors, and discontinues treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures; and responds to treatment issues as directed. The role also includes machine safety checks, patient and access monitoring, laboratory specimen collection and preparation, accurate clinical documentation, and reporting changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor. Additional duties include maintaining infection control practices, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and treatment areas, preparing supplies and machines, assisting with staff training under nurse supervision, and participating in Continuous Quality Improvement activities. In a Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports new patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, supports understanding of home dialysis options, and assists with equipment and supply needs. The position involves direct patient care in a health care facility and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Work includes interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians; frequent and prolonged standing and bending; and lifting and moving patients and supplies. Employees 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.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must have CCHT certification, as stated in the job posting.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must have any applicable state licensure, 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 the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance and movement, and lifting solutions and supplies.
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

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 policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Set up, operate, and perform safety checks on hemodialysis machines and related equipment.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and treatment parameters.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis according to prescribed orders and established procedures, including programming ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
Monitor patients’ response to treatment, identify intradialytic problems, perform interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge and termination of venous access.
Document patient evaluations, treatment information, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly in the designated records and clinical application.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange appropriate courier collection of specimens.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy; promptly clean blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow infection control policies and practices.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and support the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and arrange for omitted entries to be completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and compile paperwork for placement in the chart; prepare and print laboratory requisitions as needed.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients as permitted by state law, including treatment options and home dialysis products and benefits.
Coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the care plan.
Assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as appropriate, and support TCU supply ordering and inventory.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, and systems, including ethical business practices.