Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Indianapolis, IN

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the 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 environment, and following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The PCT supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvements. The technician provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including assessing vascular access, taking and documenting vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments according to prescribed orders, monitoring patient responses, addressing problems as directed, and reporting changes to the registered nurse or supervisor. The role also includes maintaining accurate treatment records, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, observing machine safety, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment and treatment areas. Additional responsibilities include supporting patient education and infection-control practices, assisting with staff training under nurse supervision, and helping coordinate transitional dialysis care for newly admitted patients during their first four weeks. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician reinforces education, supports patients in understanding treatment and modality options, assists with transition planning and supply inventory, and operates the machines used in the unit. The work involves desk and computer tasks as well as direct interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Direct patient care regularly involves lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation. The position requires frequent, prolonged standing and bending, 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. Assistance devices and a two-person assist program 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.
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.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program to continue employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification to continue 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 meet the stated physical demands, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and record pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform pre-treatment vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient responses and vascular access during treatment, intervene as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, evaluations, interventions, patient responses, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Prepare and efficiently use supplies and equipment, and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Perform dialysis machine preparation and alarm testing, including Pressure Holding testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices; maintain safe and clean facility areas.
Complete and document participation in CQI activities; enter treatment data into the designated clinical application; review treatment sheets and address incomplete records with appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts, compile paperwork, prepare lab requisitions, and ensure specimen collection by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Assist with infection-control audits, support adherence to infection-control practices, and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families as directed and as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines see patients according to plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and attend regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings when required.