Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care • Worcester, MA

11d • $17 - $27

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and patient training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role assists with home dialysis equipment setup and maintains a safe, clean working environment within the home therapy program. The PCT supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement (CQI), patient satisfaction, and process improvement activities. Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), as permitted by state laws and organizational policies.

The position supports home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients through training reinforcement, equipment preparation and troubleshooting, treatment-related assistance, documentation, supply management, patient scheduling, and administrative support. Depending on assignments and applicable requirements, the technician may assist with home visits, phlebotomy, and other patient-care activities.

The role includes desk and personal computer work, interaction with patients and care teams, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility, with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials may occur. Direct patient care regularly involves lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation. Frequent, prolonged standing and bending are required, as well as occasional pushing or pulling of equipment. Solutions may need to be lifted frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet. Equipment, coworkers, and material-assist devices are available for heavier items. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will 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 mission, culture, core values, and customer service standards.
• Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program as a condition of continued employment.
• Successfully complete CPR certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Ability to perform the described physical duties, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law.
• Welcome and identify patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and gather information for Clinic Visit Intake forms.
• Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, patient-care staff, providers, and other team members.
• Obtain and review patient treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
• Assist with electronic reconciliation of home treatments, medications, and oral nutritional supplements, and report missing data or orders to the HT RN.
• Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide applicable, permissible home support.
• Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping.
• Assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforce transplant education.
• Complete and document opening and closing daily chores.
• Disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, tables, and other equipment between patient visits and routinely.
• Prepare exam and training rooms for home dialysis training, treatment, and other visits; stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms.
• Manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste; assist patients and care partners with supply and inventory ordering and management.
• Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers about appointment dates, times, and reminders.
• Support patient registration and use of connected health; maintain logs and tracking.
• Order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
• Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audit processes as directed.
• Collaborate during staff huddles and meetings.
• Collect required patient admission documentation and prepare and maintain electronic and/or hard-copy patient charts as directed.
• Perform clerical duties as assigned, including answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
• Set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect HHD machines as directed; troubleshoot HHD machinery, tools, and connectivity issues.
• Prepare dialysate and HHD treatment supplies according to directions and standing or provider orders.
• Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormal findings to the HT RN.
• Initiate HHD treatment and monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data in treatment records.
• Perform and document safety checks during treatment at intervals required by CMS and facility policy.
• Report significant changes in patient status during treatment to the HT RN and document them in the medical record.
• Provide and document treatment interventions in response to interdialytic events as directed and permissible.
• Obtain and document pre-treatment termination vitals; ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area; collect and document post-treatment vitals and report them to the HT RN.
• Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
• Troubleshoot PD cyclers, modems, and connectivity issues; set up PD cyclers and prepare and warm PD solutions as directed.
• Perform prescribed phlebotomy as directed when state and/or competency requirements are met.
• Assist with exit-site care and, where applicable, tracking PD equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance, for bonus-eligible positions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED