Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care • Chicago, IL

6d • $17 - $27 • Onsite

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 follows organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. Responsibilities include setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean working environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and organizational goals. No previous dialysis experience is required; on-the-job training is provided.

The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, performs treatment-related assessments and procedures, documents treatment data, and reports changes in patient condition to a registered nurse or supervisor. The position also supports infection control, laboratory specimen handling, staff training, and, in the Transitional Care Unit, the coordination and education of newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis.

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week at the clinic located at 4616 S Bishop St, Chicago, IL 60609. The clinic operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 4:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; it is closed Sundays. Rotating day shifts may start as early as 3:00 a.m. The hourly rate is $17.00–$27.00, depending on work location and qualifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
• Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
• Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program; continued employment is dependent on successful completion.
• Successfully complete CPR certification; continued employment is dependent on successful completion.
• Demonstrate commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
• 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 the physical demands of direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred.

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 last treatment.
• Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access during treatment.
• Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and patient evaluations.
• Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescriptions and established procedures.
• Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling, and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
• Monitor patient response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide prescribed interventions, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and other required information accurately and promptly.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and store specimens according to laboratory specifications, and ensure their collection by the appropriate courier.
• Prepare and efficiently use supplies and equipment, and clean blood spills according to facility policy.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
• Prepare dialysis equipment, conduct required machine alarm testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and enter treatment data into designated clinical applications.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure required nursing signatures, and have omissions or corrections completed by appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare and print laboratory requisitions.
• Assist with infection control audits, reinforce infection control practices, and support patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed 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 for new patients, coordinate care with appropriate staff, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
• Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations, and help coordinate transitions to patients' chosen modalities.
• Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.

Benefits

• Paid dialysis training.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive pay and benefits, with eligibility for healthcare benefits 30 days after hire.
• Generous PTO and ESL leave accrual.
• 401(k) retirement benefits with company match.
• Perks and discount programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

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