Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Bedford Heights, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and quality goals. The technician provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing patients and vascular access, obtaining and documenting vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing prescribed treatment, monitoring patients and equipment, responding to treatment issues, collecting laboratory specimens, and reporting changes in patient condition to a registered nurse or supervisor. The position also includes treatment documentation, machine preparation and disinfection, infection-control practices, supply management, and support for patient education and transitional dialysis care. The Bedford Heights outpatient clinic is open Monday through Saturday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; technicians work three to four shifts per week, with shifts of 8 to 12 hours and every other Saturday. Shift times vary according to clinic needs. Schedules are provided in advance, but recurring days off or preferred start times are not guaranteed. The clinic is closed Sundays, and overnight shifts are not scheduled. The role includes 12 full weeks of paid, comprehensive training. Continued employment depends on successful completion of the dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
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 and CPR certification; continued employment is dependent on completion.
Patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred; the posting states that prior dialysis experience is not required.
Ability to perform the stated physical duties, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient lifting and ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment as described.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Patient care experience in another field, such as STNA, phlebotomy, or EMT work.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last 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 and weights, and conduct vascular access evaluations.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Monitor patients’ response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, evaluations, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly; report significant information or changes in condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Conduct machine safety checks and monitor vascular access pressures during treatment; report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and store specimens according to laboratory specifications, and ensure collection by the appropriate courier.
Clean blood spills promptly 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 under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare machines and the Solution Delivery System for treatment, conduct required alarm testing, and document tasks where appropriate.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data and review treatment sheets for completeness.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
Support infection-control audits, practices, policies, procedures, and patient and family education under appropriate direction.
For the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate appropriate staff visits, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with demonstrations of peritoneal dialysis setup, and help coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.