Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organizational policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. It helps set up home dialysis equipment and maintain a safe, clean environment within the home therapy program. The position also supports quality improvement activities, including those focused on patient satisfaction and achievement of organizational Quality Enhancement Program goals. The PCT supports home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis activities, reinforces patient training as permitted by law, assists with patient intake and treatment records, and reports missing or abnormal information to the Home Therapies registered nurse. Duties also include preparing rooms and supplies, disinfecting equipment, helping patients manage supplies and appointments, maintaining documentation, and assisting with selected clinical, administrative, and staff-training activities. All duties are performed under the HT RN’s direct supervision and within applicable laws and policies. The position involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work takes place in a healthcare environment with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Direct patient care includes frequent standing and bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting dialysis solutions and equipment within stated limits.

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.
Ability to 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 travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation; lift solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds as high as five feet; and occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients, obtain vital signs and weights, and collect information for Clinic Visit Intake forms.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, other staff, providers, and team members.
Obtain and review treatment records for completeness 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 where applicable and permissible.
Prepare prescribed laboratory testing supplies and specimens for shipping; assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document opening and closing chores; disinfect dialysis equipment and prepare and stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms.
Manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste; assist patients and care partners with supplies and inventory ordering and management.
Schedule appointments and contact patients or caregivers with appointment details and reminders.
Support patient registration and use of connected health; maintain logs and tracking.
Order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical-record, infection-control, and other audit processes as directed.
Collaborate in staff huddles and meetings; collect patient admission documentation and prepare and maintain patient charts as directed.
Perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
Set up, tear down, program, test, troubleshoot, and disinfect HHD machines and related tools or connectivity, as directed.
Prepare dialysate and HHD supplies according to directions and standing or provider orders.
Evaluate dialysis access before treatment, document findings, and report abnormal findings to the HT RN.
Initiate HHD treatment; monitor and document patient status, vital signs, machine data, safety checks, and significant changes, and report changes to the HT RN.
Provide and document treatment interventions for interdialytic events as directed and permissible.
Obtain and document pre-treatment termination and post-treatment vital signs; report post-treatment findings to the HT RN and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
Troubleshoot PD cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy when qualified and authorized.
Set up PD cyclers, prepare and warm PD solutions, assist with exit-site care, and help track PD equipment as directed.
Participate in recruitment of clinical staff, assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training, and help orient facility staff to the organization.
Partner with interdisciplinary team members to develop ideas that improve awareness of Home Therapies among in-center staff and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.