Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Lapeer, MI

26d•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. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, following organizational procedures and applicable regulations, and contributing to quality improvement activities focused on patient outcomes and satisfaction. The PCT supports patients throughout dialysis treatment by preparing and programming equipment, monitoring patients and vascular access, recording treatment information, responding to changes in patient condition, collecting laboratory specimens, and documenting care. The role also supports infection control, staff training, and—where applicable—new patients in a Transitional Care Unit as they learn about dialysis and treatment options. The position involves direct patient care in a health care facility, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, frequent standing and bending, and regularly lifting or moving patients and supplies. Employees may be exposed to infectious materials. The company provides a two-person assist program and material-assist devices for heavier items. Employees must take an Ishihara color blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet all 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.
Take the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient ambulation and movement, and lifting and lowering supplies or solutions.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility.

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education about adequacy measures, the disease process, and vascular access as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and record pre- and post-treatment weights, vital signs, and vascular access evaluations, including patient identification.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood and dialysate flow settings, and program ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Perform and document treatment discontinuation procedures, obtain vital signs before reinfusion, assess patients before discharge, and apply appropriate dressings after hemostasis.
Ensure required safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly; report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment, intervene as appropriate, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly with appropriate disinfectant and prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly into the designated clinical application.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, verify nursing signatures, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, print laboratory requisitions, and ensure laboratory specimens are collected by the appropriate courier.
Assist with infection control audits, support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices, follow infection control procedures, and reinforce patient and family education under appropriate direction.
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 as allowed by state law; liaise with facility staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup; coordinate 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.