Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Dorchester, MA

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 under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements. The role supports home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) programs, helps prepare and maintain equipment and supplies, and contributes to a safe, clean care environment. The PCT also participates in quality improvement and patient-satisfaction activities. The position includes patient intake and vital-sign collection, record review, supply coordination, appointment scheduling, documentation, equipment preparation and disinfection, and assistance with laboratory and transplant-related processes. For HHD and PD, the PCT reinforces training, assists with equipment setup and troubleshooting, and performs treatment-related tasks within the scope of applicable laws, competency requirements, and direction from the Home Therapies registered nurse. The role also supports staff recruitment, orientation, training, competency evaluations, and continuous quality improvement. Work involves patient interaction in a healthcare facility, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and possible travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings. The environment may involve exposure to infectious materials. Physical duties include frequent prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and lifting dialysis solutions and equipment. The employee must take an Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
Any applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs.
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 travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
Ability to perform physical duties including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
Dialysis experience required, as indicated in the job title qualification line.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law and under the direction of the Home Therapies registered nurse.
Welcome patients; obtain vital signs and weights; and gather information for clinic visit intake documentation.
Maintain effective communication and collaboration with patients, care partners, nurses, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review treatment records, identify missing or abnormal data, and report concerns to the Home Therapies registered nurse.
Assist with electronic home treatment, medication, and oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and report missing information or orders.
Assist Home Therapies registered nurses with home visits and provide home support when applicable and permissible.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping.
Track and ship transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document daily opening and closing tasks; disinfect dialysis machines and other equipment; and prepare training, treatment, and exam rooms.
Stock and manage supplies to support efficient use and minimize waste; assist patients and care partners with supply and inventory ordering and management.
Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers about dates, times, and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; maintain logs and tracking; and order or track clinic and office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical-record, infection-control, and other audits; assist with patient admission documentation and maintain patient charts.
Perform clerical duties as assigned, including answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
For home hemodialysis, reinforce training; set up, take down, program, test, troubleshoot, and disinfect equipment; and prepare treatment supplies as directed.
For home hemodialysis, evaluate dialysis access as directed, initiate treatment, monitor and document patient status and machine data, perform safety checks, report significant changes, and document interventions and patient responses.
For home hemodialysis, obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, ensure access hemostasis, and assist with water and dialysate testing.
For peritoneal dialysis, reinforce training; troubleshoot cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy when qualified; prepare cyclers and solutions; and assist with exit-site care and equipment tracking as directed.
Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, and ongoing training of appropriate staff; serve as a preceptor when permitted and assigned.
Conduct or support competency evaluations and audits for other PCTs and assist with training under nurse supervision.
Collaborate with clinical management, education coordinators, and interdisciplinary team members on quality standards, regulatory requirements, environmental integrity, safety, and staff development.
Participate in continuous quality improvement activities and support the implementation or design of staff education programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.