Area Float Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Area Float Patient Care Technician 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 follows organization policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable corporate, state, and federal regulations. It includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, and patient satisfaction and process improvement efforts. The technician provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including preparing patients and equipment, monitoring patient condition and machine safety, documenting treatment information, and reporting changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor. The role also supports patient education, laboratory specimen handling, infection control, staff training, and transitional dialysis care for newly admitted patients. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community, and may include travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings.

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 organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification; continued employment depends on successful completion.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, lifting and lowering solutions, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and occasionally pushing or pulling equipment.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, cannulate access, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, patient identification, and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient responses and vascular access during treatment, intervene as prescribed or directed, document interventions and responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion, evaluate patients before discharge, and obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including treatment sheets, progress notes when applicable, and clinical application data.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store them according to laboratory specifications, and ensure courier collection.
Clean blood spills promptly and prepare, organize, and use 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.
Follow organization policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices; maintain environmental integrity and a safe, clean work area.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, complete required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Participate in and document CQI activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and admission paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions as needed.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce adherence to infection-control practices, and support infection-control education for patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as permitted by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, liaise with appropriate staff to coordinate the patient experience and scheduled disciplines, and help patients understand home dialysis products and options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, assist patients in understanding treatment options, and coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit.