Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Phoenix, AZ

5d•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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, following organizational policies and applicable regulations, and supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated tasks as permitted, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments, and responds to treatment-related concerns under clinical direction. The technician programs and checks dialysis equipment, documents treatment information, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, maintains infection-control practices, and assists with patient education and staff training. 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 understanding of home dialysis options, and assists with equipment, supply ordering, and inventory. The role involves travel between assigned facilities and community locations, direct patient care, and physical work in a health care environment where exposure to infectious materials may occur.

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.
Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program as a condition of continued employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification as a condition of continued employment.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Pass the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations within the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving heavy lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, frequent and prolonged standing, bending, and occasional pushing or pulling of equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequent lifting and lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess 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, perform vascular access evaluations, and complete required patient identification.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders and calculate and enter machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, monitor patient responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform required functions for treatment reinfusion and discontinuation, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge.
Ensure required safety alarms are enabled and observe patients while conducting machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Monitor vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous pressures; intervene as needed, document findings, and report unusual results.
Document vital signs, treatment parameters, evaluations, interventions, and other treatment information accurately and promptly in the appropriate records and clinical application.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory specifications.
Clean blood spills and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas according to facility policy.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently; perform dialysis preparation tasks and required machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and signatures, follow up on omitted entries for completion or correction by appropriate staff, and prepare initial patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and assist with infection-control audits, practices, and patient and family education as directed.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow new patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforce education, coordinate care and appointments, and support transitions to the patient's chosen modality.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment and uphold organizational policies, procedures, ethical business practices, and customer service standards.