Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Lithonia, GA

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, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. The PCT provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including patient assessment, vascular access care, treatment initiation and discontinuation, monitoring, documentation, specimen collection, and reporting changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor. The position also supports clinical staff recruitment, orientation, training, competency evaluation, infection-control practices, and facility education and quality activities. Additional duties include maintaining and disinfecting equipment and treatment areas, preparing dialysis systems, completing treatment and laboratory records, and supporting transitional care for newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis. Transitional care activities include reinforcing patient education, coordinating appointments and care, explaining treatment options and home dialysis, and assisting with supplies and inventory.

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.
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 ambulation, and lifting or moving patients and supplies.
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 or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Educate patients and other health care team members about adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access patency, cannulate access, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Program dialysis machines for prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate and address intradialytic problems as directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, evaluate patients before discharge, and document treatment evaluations and interventions.
Perform machine safety checks and monitor vascular access pressures during treatment; document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier pickup for specimens according to requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with self-care as applicable.
Participate in recruiting clinical staff, orienting and training staff, serving as a preceptor when qualified, and conducting competency evaluations or audits.
Collaborate with clinical managers, education coordinators, RNs, and interdisciplinary team staff on training, organizational development, regulatory education, and quality standards.
Educate appropriate personnel about facility water-system integrity and environmental safety as permitted by local regulations.
Participate in CQI activities and monitor patient-care processes.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, conduct required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Enter treatment data accurately and promptly, review treatment sheets for completeness, and ensure omissions or corrections are addressed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and laboratory requisitions and ensure laboratory specimens are collected by the appropriate courier.
Assist with facility infection-control audits, monitor and reinforce staff and patient adherence to infection-control procedures, and participate in related education and survey responses.
Coordinate transitional dialysis care for newly admitted patients during their first four weeks, reinforce education, coordinate appointments with facility staff, explain home dialysis and treatment options, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, support modality transitions, and assist with TCU supply ordering and inventory.