Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Alhambra, CA

11d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients before, during, and after treatment; evaluates vascular access; performs cannulation and delegated or legally permitted heparin administration; initiates and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders and established procedures; and documents treatment data and patient responses. The technician reports significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, conducts machine safety checks, and follows infection-control practices. Additional duties include assisting with staff training under nurse supervision and supporting newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis in the Transitional Care Unit. This support includes reinforcing education, coordinating care and appointments, explaining home dialysis and treatment options, helping with modality transitions, and assisting with TCU supplies and inventory. The position involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work takes place in a health care facility and may involve exposure to infectious materials. Direct patient care regularly involves lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, prolonged standing, bending, and handling equipment and solutions.

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 organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program to continue employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification to continue employment.
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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education 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, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and vascular access assessments.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Monitor patient responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide prescribed or directed interventions.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and responses accurately and promptly; complete treatment sheets and applicable progress notes.
Report significant patient information, changes in condition, and unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and treatment areas according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently; conduct treatment preparation and required machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding testing.
Initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow organizational policies, procedures, ethical business practices, and infection-control requirements.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data and review treatment sheets for completeness and required signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts, compile paperwork, prepare lab requisitions, and ensure specimen pickup by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Assist with infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families under appropriate direction and as allowed 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, coordinate appointments with appropriate staff, and help patients understand home dialysis products and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations, and coordinate transitions to patients’ chosen modalities.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.