Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Kaukauna, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of a dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting quality improvement and patient-satisfaction activities. The technician supports patients throughout dialysis treatment, including checking their condition and vascular access, collecting vital signs and weights, initiating and monitoring treatments, responding to issues as directed, documenting treatment information, and preparing patients for discharge. The role also includes preparing and handling laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and supplies, supporting infection-control practices, and helping train applicable direct patient care staff under nursing supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and helps coordinate transitional care, patient education, treatment-option discussions, modality transitions, and supplies. Comprehensive on-the-job training is provided; dialysis-specific experience is not required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet 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.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred, not required.
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.
Ability to perform the described physical functions, including frequent standing and bending, assisting with patient lifting and ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment as described.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access and perform cannulation and heparin administration as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform vascular-access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders, including blood-flow and dialysate-flow settings.
Monitor patients and evaluate intradialytic problems, intervening as prescribed or directed; report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Discontinue treatment according to established procedures; obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, evaluate patients before discharge, and document relevant findings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis-machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including treatment sheets, vital signs, treatment parameters, interventions, and progress notes where applicable.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and store specimens according to requirements, and ensure collection by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently; clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; monitor self-care patients under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data and review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and laboratory requisitions, and collect, label, prepare, and store laboratory samples as required.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices, and participate in patient and family infection-control education as directed and permitted by law.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, coordinate appointments with appropriate staff, and support understanding of home dialysis products 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 transitions to patients’ chosen modalities.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.