Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Taylorsville, UT

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 follows organization policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable regulatory requirements. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and participates in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and quality goals. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation, records pre- and post-treatment observations, initiates and discontinues dialysis as prescribed, monitors treatment response, and reports changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor. The role also includes documenting treatment data, performing machine and safety checks, obtaining and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining infection-control practices, and assisting patients with education and self-care under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and transitions to the patient’s chosen modality, and assists with treatment setup, demonstrations, supplies, and inventory. The role involves direct patient care and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is a health care facility and may involve exposure to infectious materials, frequent standing and bending, and lifting or moving patients and equipment.

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 the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program to continue employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification to continue employment.
Pass the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Able to perform direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation, with assistance or equipment available as needed.
Able to stand for frequent, prolonged periods and bend over; occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequently lift and lower solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.

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.
Assess vascular access for 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 evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood-flow and dialysate-flow settings; calculate and enter prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Obtain vital signs before reinfusion; discontinue treatment according to established procedures; assess patients before termination of venous access and before discharge; obtain hemostasis and apply dressings.
Perform and document pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weights, vital signs, treatment parameters, interventions, and patient responses.
Ensure required safety alarms are enabled and perform machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Report significant information, changes in condition, or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Monitor vascular access and arterial and venous pressures during treatment, intervene as needed, and document and report findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange appropriate courier collection of specimens.
Clean blood spills promptly with the appropriate disinfectant and follow facility policy.
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 incorporated into training.
Maintain safe, clean, and orderly areas; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform and document required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Test, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and on time.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, nursing signatures, and completion or correction of omitted entries by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and admission paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce adherence to infection-control practices, and support infection-control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients as allowed by state law, and liaise with facility staff to coordinate services according to the care plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit; assist with transitions to the patient’s selected modality.
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.