Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Philadelphia, PA

2d•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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, records pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, evaluates and cannulates vascular access, initiates and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders and procedures, monitors treatment response, and reports changes in patient condition. The role also includes programming dialysis machines, checking alarms and equipment, documenting treatment information, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining infection-control practices, and assisting with patient education and staff training under appropriate supervision. 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 position involves direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, frequent standing and bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must have any applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Current dialysis experience required, as stated in the posting.
CCHT or Bonent license required, as stated in the posting.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to perform direct patient care duties involving frequent, prolonged standing and bending; assist with patient lifting, movement, and ambulation; and lift or lower solutions and supplies as described in the posting.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, including relevant evaluations before and after treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Observe patients, conduct machine safety checks and pretreatment alarm testing, intervene as prescribed for intradialytic problems, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly in the treatment sheet and clinical application.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and treatment areas between patients and promptly clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment to support treatment and prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and follow up on omitted entries through appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices and education, and follow applicable infection-control policies and procedures.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care with appropriate staff.
Reinforce education for new patients, help them understand home dialysis products and benefits, and assist with explaining treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
Help coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality and assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain safe and clean work areas and follow organizational business policies, procedures, and ethical practices.