Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Diamondhead, MS

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe, effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, supporting quality improvement activities, and helping patients understand dialysis care and treatment options. The PCT provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including assessing vascular access, collecting vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments, monitoring patients and equipment, responding to treatment concerns as directed, and documenting care accurately. The position also supports patient education, laboratory specimen collection, infection control, facility readiness, and the training and competency development of clinical staff. As a preceptor, the PCT assists with orientation and ongoing training in accordance with state requirements and organizational standards. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, supports coordination of care and treatment options, and assists with equipment and supply needs. The role involves work in a health care facility, interaction with patients and clinical staff, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and frequent physical activity, including standing, bending, lifting, and assisting patients with movement.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
All applicable state licensure, education, and training, if required.
Commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs established by education leadership.
Attendance at Fresenius and publicly offered skill-based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.
Completion of the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access and perform cannulation and delegated heparin administration as permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform patient evaluations before, during, and after treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Assess patient responses and intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Calculate and enter patient-specific dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling, and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment, intervene as appropriate, and report and document unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and route specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Clean blood spills promptly and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with self-care as applicable.
Participate in recruitment, clinical staff orientation, ongoing training, and competency evaluations or audits for PCTs and other appropriate personnel.
Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training in accordance with state guidelines, organizational policies, and training standards.
Collaborate with Clinical Managers, Education Coordinators, RNs, and interdisciplinary team members on training, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Educate appropriate personnel about facility water-system integrity, environmental integrity, and safety, as allowed by local regulations.
Support communication and implementation of staff training and organizational development programs.
Maintain a safe, clean environment and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis equipment and conduct required pretreatment machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Testing; initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Complete CQI documentation, enter treatment data in the clinical application, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Assist with facility infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices among staff and patients, and participate in related education and survey responses under direction.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate visits from appropriate staff disciplines, and support patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as appropriate, and assist with transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.