Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•North Port, FL

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 sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean environment, and participates in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and quality goals. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, obtains pre- and post-treatment measurements, evaluates vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated or legally permitted heparin administration, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments, monitors patient response, addresses treatment issues as directed, and documents care. The role also conducts machine safety checks, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, maintains treatment records, cleans and disinfects equipment, and reports changes in patient condition to a registered nurse or supervisor. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, supports patient understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, operates machines used in the unit, and assists with inventory and supply ordering. The work includes computer and desk tasks, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations; regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meeting travel may be required. The environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Direct patient care involves frequent standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation. Employees may occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force and frequently lift solutions up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 40 pounds as high as five feet. Assistance and material-handling devices are available for heavier items. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Must 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.
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.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including frequent standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions as specified.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
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 weight, including the required patient identification and access evaluations.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine parameters, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits, and perform required machine safety checks and pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding testing.
Monitor patients and their response to therapy, identify intradialytic problems, provide prescribed or directed interventions, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Evaluate and monitor vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous pressures, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, 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 on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices; maintain safe and clean areas.
Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and enter treatment data accurately and promptly in the designated clinical application.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, confirm nursing signatures, and ensure omissions are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork; prepare and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection control audits, follow infection control policies and procedures, support staff and patient adherence, and reinforce patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as permitted 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, coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines see patients according to plan.
Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, the benefits of home dialysis, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit; assist in coordinating transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.