Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Ooltewah, TN

9d•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 corporate, state, and federal regulations. The PCT sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and participates in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, including process improvements related to patient satisfaction and quality goals. The position provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including assessing patients and vascular access, initiating and discontinuing treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures, monitoring patient responses, responding to unusual findings, documenting treatment information, and reporting significant changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. The PCT also supports patient education, laboratory specimen handling, infection control, staff training, and—in transitional care units—new-patient education and coordination of dialysis care and modality transitions. The work includes desk and computer tasks, interaction with patients and health care staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is that of a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials may occur. The role involves frequent standing and bending, assisting patients with lifting, moving, and ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment within specified limits. Employees 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.

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 may be considered.
Ability to perform the described physical duties, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate and under applicable supervision.
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 document pre-, intradialytic, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including initial patient identification and required standing and sitting blood pressure measurements.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood and dialysate flow rates, and program ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling as prescribed.
Monitor patients and dialysis machines during treatment, evaluate intradialytic problems, perform or document interventions, and report unusual findings or changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Discontinue treatments according to established procedures, assess patients before discharge, obtain hemostasis, and apply appropriate dressings.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and other required information accurately and promptly in treatment sheets, progress notes where applicable, and designated clinical applications.
Perform machine safety checks and ensure required alarms, including Narrow Venous Limits, are enabled.
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, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain safe and clean areas; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform and document required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and follow up on missing or incorrect entries with appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices, follow applicable policies and procedures, and support patient and family infection-control education as directed.
In transitional care units, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, coordinate transitional care, reinforce education, and liaise with staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care.
In transitional care units, help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options; set up and perform treatments on applicable machines, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and assist with transitions to the patient’s chosen modality.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for transitional care units.