Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care • Methuen, MA

3d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions 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 Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, including efforts to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

The technician provides patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including checking vascular access, taking and recording vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments as prescribed, monitoring patients and machine safety, responding to treatment issues as directed, and documenting care. The role also supports patient education, laboratory specimen collection, infection control, staff training, and preparation and upkeep of dialysis equipment and supplies.

In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, helps patients understand treatment and home-dialysis options, and assists with transition to the patient’s chosen modality.

The work involves interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians; travel between assigned facilities and community locations; and a healthcare-facility environment with possible exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Physical duties include frequent prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies, with assistance or equipment 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 may be considered.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
• Must hold any required state licensure and complete required education and training.
• 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.
• Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not automatically preclude employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-specific education with other healthcare team members on adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
• Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
• Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
• Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
• Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
• Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, assess and report changes or unusual findings, and intervene as prescribed or directed.
• Calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
• Document treatment parameters, vital signs, evaluations, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in required records and clinical applications.
• Perform machine and patient safety checks and evaluate vascular access pressures during treatment.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
• Clean blood spills and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas according to facility policy.
• Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
• Participate in and document CQI activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure missing entries are corrected by appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions as needed.
• Assist with infection control audits, support adherence to infection control practices, and reinforce infection control education under appropriate direction.
• Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce education for new patients and liaise with facility staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care plan.
• Help patients understand home dialysis products, the benefits of home dialysis, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup.
• Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality, and help manage TCU supplies and inventory.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential 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