Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care • Livingston, NJ

12d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to support safe, effective home dialysis therapy and patient training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, primarily the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN). The role follows organizational policies and training, applicable state laws and regulations, and federal requirements. It assists with home dialysis equipment setup and upkeep of a safe, clean environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement efforts.

The technician reinforces home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law; gathers patient information and treatment records; obtains vital signs and weights; supports reconciliation and documentation; helps prepare, disinfect, and stock equipment and rooms; coordinates appointments and supplies; and performs administrative and medical-record tasks. The position may include home visits and other home support when applicable and permissible.

For HHD, duties may include preparing, setting up, testing, programming, troubleshooting, and disinfecting dialysis equipment; preparing dialysate and supplies; evaluating access and reporting abnormal findings; initiating treatment and monitoring and documenting patient and machine status; performing safety checks; responding to treatment events as directed and permissible; and supporting water and dialysate testing. For PD, duties may include troubleshooting cyclers and connectivity, collecting prescribed laboratory samples through phlebotomy when qualified, preparing cyclers and solutions, assisting with exit-site care, and tracking equipment.

The role also contributes to staff recruitment, clinical orientation and training, and efforts to improve awareness of Home Therapies. Work includes desk and computer tasks, direct interaction with patients and clinical personnel, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. The position’s physical demands include frequent prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, and lifting solutions and equipment.

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 the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and 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 meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, assisting with ambulation, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce HHD and/or PD training as permitted by law.
• Welcome patients; obtain vital signs and weights; and gather information for the Clinic Visit Intake form.
• Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, other staff, providers, and team members.
• Obtain and review treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
• Assist with electronic reconciliation of home treatments, medications, and oral nutritional supplements, and report missing data or orders to the HT RN.
• Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support when applicable and permissible.
• Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping; assist with transplant specimen tracking and shipping and reinforce transplant education.
• Complete and document opening and closing chores; disinfect equipment between visits and routinely; prepare and stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms.
• Manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste; assist patients and care partners with supply and inventory ordering; maintain logs and tracking; and order clinic or office supplies as directed.
• Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers with dates, times, and reminders; support patient registration and connected health use.
• Participate in medical-record, infection-control, and other audits as directed; assist with admission documentation and patient charts; and perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
• For HHD, set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect machines; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity; prepare dialysate and treatment supplies as directed.
• For HHD, evaluate dialysis access, document findings, initiate treatment, monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data, and perform safety checks at required intervals.
• For HHD, report significant patient-status changes, provide and document interventions as directed and permissible, obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vitals, and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
• Assist with quarterly, semiannual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
• For PD, troubleshoot cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy when qualified; set up cyclers and prepare and warm solutions; assist with exit-site care; and help track PD equipment.
• Participate in recruitment of clinical staff; assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training of appropriate Home Therapies personnel and facility staff.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop ideas that improve Home Therapies awareness among in-center staff and patients.
• Participate in staff huddles and meetings and perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential performance-based bonuses for bonus-eligible positions, depending on company and individual performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED