Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Carson, CA

28d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organizational policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable regulations. It is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement (CQI), patient satisfaction, and process improvement activities. The position provides direct patient care before, during, and after dialysis treatments. It includes assessing vascular access and patient status, initiating and monitoring prescribed treatments, responding to intradialytic issues as directed, documenting treatment information, and reporting significant changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. The technician also assists with patient education, laboratory collection and preparation, infection control, staff training, and dialysis machine and facility preparation. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, helps coordinate modality transitions, and assists with supply ordering and inventory.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
All appropriate 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 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 provide direct patient care involving heavy lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, frequent prolonged standing, and bending.
Ability to occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequently lift or lower solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow settings.
Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Monitor patient response to dialysis therapy and report significant information or changes in condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform reinfusion and treatment discontinuation procedures, obtain relevant vital signs, assess patients before discharge, achieve hemostasis, and apply dressings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled and conduct patient observation and machine safety checks.
Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, intervene as needed, and document and report unusual findings.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens.
Prepare and efficiently use supplies and equipment, clean blood spills, and maintain a safe and clean environment.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Complete and document participation in CQI activities and enter treatment data into the designated clinical application.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, confirm nursing signatures, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection control audits, support adherence to infection control practices, follow infection control policies, and reinforce patient and family education as directed and as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law, and liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and explain treatment options.
Assist with coordination of transitions to patients' chosen modality and with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and attend regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings when required.