Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Paducah, KY

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities aimed at improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. The PCT provides direct patient care before, during, and after dialysis, including assessing vascular access, initiating and discontinuing prescribed treatments, monitoring patients and equipment, recording treatment information, responding to changes in patient condition, and collecting laboratory specimens. The position also supports patients performing self-care under RN supervision and contributes to patient education. As a preceptor, the PCT participates in recruitment, orientation, training, competency evaluations, and ongoing development of clinical and facility staff. The role collaborates with clinical managers, education coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members on training, quality standards, infection control, and facility safety. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and disinfecting equipment and treatment areas, completing clinical records, supporting infection control audits and education, and assisting with transitional dialysis care for newly admitted patients during their first four weeks. The role may involve travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and may require travel to regional, business unit, or corporate meetings.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS; all applicable state licensure, education, and training are required.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Attendance at Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient lifting and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin 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 according to prescribed orders and calculate and enter prescribed machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform and document treatment discontinuation, reinfusion, hemostasis, dressings, and pre-discharge patient evaluations according to established procedures.
Ensure required machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including treatment sheets and applicable progress notes, and document interventions and patient responses.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly with appropriate disinfectants and organize supplies and equipment to prevent waste.
Monitor and assist patients performing self-care under RN supervision, as applicable.
Participate in recruitment and provide clinical orientation, preceptorship, ongoing training, and developmental support to appropriate staff.
Conduct competency evaluations and audits for other PCTs and collaborate on education about regulatory requirements, quality standards, and continuous quality improvement.
Support communication and training initiatives related to facility water systems, environmental integrity, patient and staff safety, and organizational development.
Participate in CQI activities and monitor patient-care processes.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly treatment environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis equipment and conduct required pretreatment machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Enter treatment data into the designated clinical application and review treatment sheets for completeness and required signatures or corrections.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, prepare lab requisitions, and ensure specimen collection by the appropriate courier.
Assist with facility infection control audits, monitor and reinforce staff and patient adherence to infection control procedures, and support infection control education and survey responses under direction.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, coordinate visits from relevant disciplines, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as appropriate, assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality, and support TCU supply ordering and inventory.