Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Knightdale, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing 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 position is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, helping maintain a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities. The role provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including patient assessment, vascular access care, treatment initiation and discontinuation, monitoring, documentation, specimen collection, and reporting changes in patient condition. The technician also supports patient education, infection control, staff training, and—within the Transitional Care Unit—new patients’ transition to dialysis and modality choices. The job involves work in a health care facility and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Duties include desk and computer work as well as frequent patient interaction, standing, bending, and lifting or moving patients, equipment, and supplies. Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials may occur.

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.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
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.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions and supplies.

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 previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood-flow and dialysate-flow settings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients and their response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Perform required functions to discontinue treatment, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge.
Record accurate and timely treatment information, vital signs, parameters, interventions, and patient responses in the required clinical records.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, and unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Conduct machine safety checks and monitor vascular-access pressures during treatment; document and report findings and interventions.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store them according to laboratory specifications, and ensure courier collection.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant 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 on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, perform required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data and review treatment sheets for completeness and required signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, prepare or print laboratory requisitions, and ensure specimens are collected by the appropriate courier.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices, and support patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as permitted by state law.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, coordinate with facility staff to support the patient experience, 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 demonstrations of peritoneal dialysis setup, and coordinate transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.