Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Stafford, VA

3d•$17 - $27

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organizational policies and procedures, required training, and applicable state and federal regulations. It includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and organizational quality goals. The technician welcomes and monitors patients throughout treatment; assesses vascular access; takes and documents weights and vital signs; initiates, monitors, and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders; and reports changes in condition to a registered nurse or supervisor. The role also involves machine safety checks, treatment documentation, specimen collection and preparation, infection-control practices, and assisting with patient education and staff training under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician helps coordinate care for newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, supports patients in understanding treatment and home-dialysis options, assists with modality transitions, and helps manage supplies and inventory. The role requires travel between assigned facilities and community locations and may include travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. The work takes place in a health care facility and may involve exposure to infectious materials, frequent standing and bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies. A high school diploma or GED is required. Employees must meet applicable CMS-approved state or national certification requirements within the required timeline and complete the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification to remain employed. Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred. The stated hourly rate is $17.00–$27.00, depending on location and qualifications. The position offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and parental leave.

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.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification; continued employment depends on successful completion.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine parameters, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks; evaluate treatment response, address problems as directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, evaluations, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in required records and clinical applications.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens according to laboratory requirements, and coordinate their collection by the appropriate courier.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently; immediately clean blood spills with the appropriate disinfectant.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient-care staff under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment; clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and support accurate patient chart preparation and records.
Assist with infection-control audits, follow infection-control policies, and reinforce infection-control practices and education under appropriate direction.
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, liaise with staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care, and help patients understand home dialysis and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with demonstrations such as peritoneal dialysis setup, and coordinate transitions to patients’ chosen modalities.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.