Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Miami Dade, FL, FL

14d•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 follows organizational policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The position provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including patient intake, vascular access assessment and cannulation, treatment setup and monitoring, vital-sign and weight collection, response to treatment issues, treatment discontinuation, documentation, and reporting changes in patient condition. The technician also performs machine and environmental safety procedures, handles laboratory specimens, supports infection control, and assists with training and patient education under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician supports new patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with staff, helps patients understand treatment options and home dialysis, and assists with transition to the patient’s chosen modality. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The work takes place in a health care facility and may involve exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials, frequent standing and bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet any 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 to remain employed.
Successfully complete CPR certification to remain employed.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient ambulation and movement, and lifting or lowering supplies and solutions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Provide patient-specific education about adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate and under applicable supervision.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform patient evaluations before, during, and after dialysis.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling as prescribed.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled and perform machine safety checks, including required pretreatment alarm testing and Pressure Holding Tests.
Monitor patient response to therapy, evaluate intradialytic problems, perform prescribed or directed interventions, and document responses.
Evaluate vascular access and arterial and venous monitoring pressures during treatment; intervene as appropriate and report unusual findings.
Document treatment parameters and patient information accurately and promptly, including treatment sheets and applicable progress notes.
Report significant information and changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly using the appropriate disinfectant and follow facility infection-control procedures.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment, use resources efficiently, and help prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Maintain safe, clean, and orderly surroundings; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and treatment areas between patients.
Enter treatment data into the designated clinical application and participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate nursing signatures, and ensure omissions are corrected by the appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control practices and education for patients and families as directed.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate appointments with appropriate staff disciplines, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as appropriate, and assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.