Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Maplewood, MN

7d•$16 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) 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 involves setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting patients during treatment, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and complying with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The technician also supports quality enhancement and continuous quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. The position includes direct patient care before, during, and after dialysis; treatment documentation; specimen collection and preparation; infection control; machine and area preparation; and support for newly admitted patients in the Transitional Care Unit. Clinic hours are currently Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday being added, so schedule flexibility is required. Previous dialysis experience is not needed, and paid training is provided.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Must meet any applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and moving, assisting with ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment as described in the posting.
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.
Flexibility to accommodate clinic hours as the schedule expands to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

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.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, including required assessments before treatment, before reinfusion, and prior to discharge.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Check that required safety alarms are enabled and perform machine safety checks in accordance with facility policy.
Identify and respond to intradialytic problems and unusual patient conditions as prescribed or directed; document interventions and patient responses and report significant changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Monitor vascular access and arterial and venous pressures during treatment; document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store samples according to laboratory specifications, and ensure courier collection.
Complete accurate and timely treatment records, vital signs, treatment parameters, progress notes when applicable, and clinical application entries.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate 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.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment, conduct required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow infection-control policies and practices.
Participate in continuous quality improvement activities and assist with infection-control audits and patient and staff education under appropriate supervision.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care and scheduled services.
Reinforce education for new patients, support understanding of home dialysis products and treatment options, and assist with demonstrations and transition 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 organizational business policies, procedures, training, and ethical business practices.