Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•New Albany, MS

7d•Onsite

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 follows organization policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable regulatory requirements. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean environment, and participates in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and clinical goals. The PCT supports patients throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing vascular access, obtaining pre- and post-treatment measurements, initiating and discontinuing treatment according to prescribed orders and procedures, monitoring patient responses, and documenting treatment information. The role also includes collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and treatment areas, supporting infection-control practices, and assisting with patient education and staff training under appropriate supervision. In a Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, supports understanding of treatment options and home dialysis, and assists with transition planning and inventory. The position involves direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and physical activity such as lifting, moving, and assisting patients.

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 culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program; continued employment is dependent on successful completion.
Successfully complete CPR certification; continued employment is dependent on successful completion.
Pass 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 direct patient care involving frequent, prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assistance with ambulation.
Ability to push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force occasionally; frequently lift and lower solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet, with assistance or material-assist devices available for heavier items.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations within the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist the health care team in educating patients 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, perform cannulation, 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 dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow settings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits.
Monitor patients and dialysis machines during treatment, assess responses, identify problems, and intervene as prescribed or directed.
Report significant information, changes in condition, and unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Discontinue treatment according to established procedures; obtain required vital signs, achieve hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate the patient before discharge.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, responses, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, arrange appropriate storage, and ensure collection by the laboratory courier.
Clean blood spills promptly with appropriate disinfectant and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organization policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform and document required machine alarm tests, including Pressure Holding Tests, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data and review treatment sheets for completeness and required signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and prepare and print laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control procedures, and support patient and family education as directed.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients as allowed by state law and coordinate with facility staff to support the patient experience and scheduled multidisciplinary care.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with transition to the patient's chosen modality, and help coordinate supply ordering and inventory.