Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Rolla, MO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to support safe and effective home dialysis therapy and patient training. The role operates under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, specifically the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), and follows organizational policies, training, and applicable state and federal requirements. The PCT assists with home dialysis equipment setup and helps maintain a safe, clean environment within the home therapy program. The role also supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement efforts. Responsibilities include reinforcing home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law; collecting patient information and vital signs; reviewing treatment records; supporting medication and nutrition reconciliation; preparing laboratory specimens; maintaining rooms, equipment, supplies, and records; and coordinating appointments and patient communications. The technician may assist with home visits and provide other home support when applicable and permissible. For HHD, the PCT may set up, program, test, disinfect, and troubleshoot equipment; prepare dialysate and supplies; monitor and document treatment; perform safety checks; report changes in patient condition; and assist with water and dialysate testing, all as directed and within applicable limits. For PD, the PCT may troubleshoot cyclers and connectivity, perform phlebotomy when qualified and authorized, prepare cyclers and solutions, assist with exit-site care, and help track equipment. The work includes desk and computer tasks, regular interaction with patients and health care staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is similar to a health care facility, with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, and may involve exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Direct patient care involves lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or moving supplies and equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s mission, culture, core values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program as a condition of continued employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification as a condition of continued employment.
Be able to perform the stated physical demands, including prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance, and lifting or lowering solutions and other items; accommodations may be made as appropriate.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and gather information for the Clinic Visit Intake form.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, staff, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review patient treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic home treatment, medication, and oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and report missing data or orders to the HT RN.
Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support when applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping.
Assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document daily opening and closing chores.
Disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, tables, and other equipment between visits and routinely.
Prepare and stock examination, training, treatment, and storage rooms; manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers about dates, times, and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; assist patients and care partners with supplies and inventory management.
Maintain logs and tracking; order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audits as directed.
Collaborate during staff huddles and meetings.
Collect required patient admission documentation and prepare and maintain electronic and/or paper patient charts as directed.
Perform assigned clerical duties, including answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
For HHD, set up, tear down, program, test, disinfect, and troubleshoot the machine and related connectivity, as directed.
For HHD, prepare dialysate and treatment supplies according to standing or provider orders.
For HHD, evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormalities to the HT RN.
For HHD, initiate treatment and monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data.
For HHD, perform and document safety checks at intervals designated by CMS and facility policy.
For HHD, report significant changes in patient status during treatment and document them in the medical record.
For HHD, provide and document interventions in response to interdialytic events, as directed and permissible.
For HHD, obtain and document pre-treatment termination and post-treatment vital signs, and report post-treatment findings to the HT RN.
For HHD, ensure hemostasis of the dialysis access before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
For PD, troubleshoot cyclers, modems, and connectivity issues.
For PD, perform prescribed phlebotomy when state and/or competency requirements are met.
For PD, set up the cycler and prepare and warm PD solutions as directed.
For PD, assist with exit-site care as directed and help track PD equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.