Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Canonsburg, PA

14d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean working environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, takes and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues prescribed dialysis treatments, monitors patient responses, and responds to treatment issues as directed. The role also requires accurate treatment documentation, laboratory specimen handling, machine safety checks, and prompt reporting of patient changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. Additional duties include supporting staff training under nurse supervision, maintaining infection control practices, and assisting with patient education. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, supports understanding of home dialysis options, and assists with equipment and supply needs. The work involves desk and computer tasks, direct interaction with patients and care teams, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious materials. Direct patient care includes frequent standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and handling dialysis solutions and equipment. The position requires passing an Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
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 remain employed.
Successfully complete CPR certification to remain employed.
Pass the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent prolonged standing and bending; heavy lifting and moving of patients; assisting with ambulation; frequent lifting and lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds; occasional lifting up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet; and occasional pushing or pulling of equipment requiring up to 15 pounds of force.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Provide or reinforce patient-specific education regarding dialysis adequacy, disease processes, vascular access, infection control, home dialysis, and treatment options as permitted by state law and under appropriate supervision.
Assess vascular access patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate patients before, during, and after dialysis.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling as prescribed; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Evaluate intradialytic problems, intervene as prescribed or directed, document the intervention and patient response, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Complete accurate and timely treatment records, clinical application entries, treatment sheets, and applicable progress notes; review treatment sheets for completeness and required signatures.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare requisitions, collect and label specimens, store them according to specifications, and ensure courier collection.
Clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills and maintain a safe, clean environment.
Prepare and efficiently use supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities and assist with infection control audits and adherence.
Prepare initial patient charts and compile paperwork for appropriate placement.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow new patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Liaise with appropriate staff to help ensure care disciplines meet patients according to plan and assist with coordination of the patient’s transition to their chosen modality.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit and set up and perform treatments on its machines.