Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Spring Valley, IL

3d•$14 - $23

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role involves setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting quality improvement and patient satisfaction activities in accordance with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, evaluates vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, obtains pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders and procedures, and responds to treatment issues as directed. The technician programs dialysis machines, checks alarms and equipment safety, documents treatment information, reports changes in patient condition, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, and maintains infection-control practices. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with staff training, supporting patients who perform self-care, and coordinating care and education for newly admitted patients in the Transitional Care Unit. The PCT helps patients understand treatment and home dialysis options, supports transition to their chosen modality, and assists with TCU supplies and inventory. The position involves work in a health care facility and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Day-to-day work includes computer and desk tasks as well as direct patient care, including frequent standing, bending, lifting, and moving patients or supplies. Exposure to infectious or contagious materials may occur. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must meet all 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.
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 physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and supplies as described.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with prescribed orders, organizational procedures, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, during-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed settings and established procedures.
Calculate and enter patient-specific dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled and perform machine safety checks and pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding testing.
Monitor patient responses, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide prescribed interventions, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a nurse or supervisor.
Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings; evaluate patients before discharge.
Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including treatment sheets, vital signs, treatment parameters, progress notes where applicable, and clinical application data.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory specifications.
Clean blood spills promptly and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Maintain safe, clean, and orderly work areas and follow organizational policies, procedures, and ethical business practices.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection-control audits; support adherence to infection-control practices and reinforce patient and family education under appropriate direction.
Follow newly admitted TCU patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education for new patients, liaise with facility staff to coordinate services, and assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.