Patient Care Technician - Preceptor-PCT Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Youngstown, OH

13d

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, supporting a safe and clean work environment, and participating in the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and patient-satisfaction activities. The PCT provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing patients and vascular access, initiating and discontinuing treatment according to orders and established procedures, monitoring patients and equipment, documenting treatment information, collecting laboratory specimens, and reporting changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor. The preceptor responsibilities include supporting recruitment, orienting and training staff, conducting competency evaluations, and reinforcing clinical, regulatory, quality, and infection-control standards. The role also supports patient and staff education, facility maintenance and infection control, and the Transitional Care Unit. In the TCU, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, and assists patients in understanding home dialysis options. The position involves direct patient care, frequent standing and bending, lifting and moving patients and supplies, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is a health care facility where exposure to infectious or contagious materials may occur.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
All applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Attend Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent, prolonged standing and bending, assisting with ambulation, and heavy lifting or moving of patients.
Ability to lift and lower solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet; occasionally push or pull equipment using up to 15 pounds of force.
Ability to work in a health care environment with moderate noise, controlled air temperature, and possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations within the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Set up, operate, prepare, and test hemodialysis machines and related systems, including initiating the Solution Delivery System and performing required alarm tests.
Welcome assigned patients; assess wellbeing, vascular access, vital signs, weight, and readiness for treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures; administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Monitor patients’ responses to treatment, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Document patient assessments, treatment parameters, interventions, and outcomes accurately and promptly in required records and clinical applications.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently, clean and disinfect treatment areas and equipment between treatments, and immediately clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with self-care as applicable.
Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, ongoing training, and competency evaluations or audits for appropriate clinical personnel.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training in accordance with state guidelines, organizational standards, policies, and training manuals.
Collaborate with clinical managers, education coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to support quality standards, staff development, and education on regulatory and legal requirements.
Educate or support education of staff and patients regarding facility water systems, environmental integrity, safety, infection control, and dialysis-related matters as allowed by law and regulations.
Participate in CQI activities, infection-control audits, facility survey responses, and initiatives to reinforce infection-control practices.
Review treatment sheets and records for completeness, support patient chart preparation and paperwork, and ensure omissions are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Follow newly admitted TCU patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education for new patients, help coordinate appointments with appropriate staff, and support patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits, treatment options, and modality choices.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with TCU supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work environment and travel between assigned facilities and other locations as required.