Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•San Fernando, CA

7d•$25 - $30

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of a dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, assisting with maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and organizational quality goals. The technician supports patients before, during, and after treatment by assessing and monitoring their condition, initiating and discontinuing dialysis according to prescribed orders, documenting treatment and vital signs, evaluating vascular access, and reporting changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor. Duties also include specimen collection, infection control, equipment preparation and cleaning, and accurate clinical recordkeeping. 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, and supports patients in understanding home dialysis and treatment options. The position involves direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and physical activity including frequent standing and lifting.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification to continue employment.
CHT certification is required, as indicated in the posting.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist with patient education regarding dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood-flow and dialysate-flow settings.
Evaluate and respond to intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, monitor patient response, and report significant changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform treatment reinfusion and discontinuation procedures, assess patients before termination and discharge, obtain hemostasis, and apply dressings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct patient observation and machine safety checks.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, evaluations, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly.
Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor pressures, intervene as needed, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare specimens, and collect, label, store, and arrange courier collection of laboratory samples.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare machines for treatment, perform required pretreatment alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data, review treatment sheets, and help ensure records are complete and corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection control audits, reinforce infection control practices, and support infection control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted Transitional Care Unit patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients and liaise with facility staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care.
Help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
Assist with coordinating transitions to patients' chosen modalities, setting up and performing treatments on TCU machines, and managing TCU supply ordering and inventory.