Patient Care Tecnicion - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Beaver Falls, PA

12d•$70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy to patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This role involves operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting the organization's commitment to quality improvement and patient satisfaction. The PCT will assist in patient education, monitor treatments, perform necessary procedures for dialysis initiation and discontinuation, and accurately document all patient care activities. Additionally, the PCT will be involved in infection control practices and transitional care for newly admitted patients, ensuring they understand their treatment options and receive comprehensive support.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program.
Successful completion of CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

No prior dialysis experience required.
11 weeks of paid & structured training with an assigned Preceptor & Nurse Educator.

Responsibilities

Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding dialysis adequacy measures and disease processes.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated.
Obtain pre and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
Initiate and monitor dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders.
Evaluate and intervene for intradialytic problems.
Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy.
Perform all necessary functions for the discontinuation of treatment, including hemostasis and dressing application.
Calculate and program dialysis machine settings for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Record accurate and timely treatment data on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
Document patient treatment information, including progress notes if applicable.
Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Conduct machine safety checks and report any unusual findings.
Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status.
Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment and report findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
Clean blood spills immediately according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and utilize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of an RN.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics, ensuring all areas are safe and clean.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and perform required pre-treatment dialysis machine alarm testing.
Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure proper documentation and signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and compile paperwork.
Prepare/print lab requisitions and collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples.
Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
Follow infection control policies and procedures.
Participate in and reinforce infection control education for patients and families.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education and care related matters for new patients.
Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to ensure the best patient experience.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits.
Set up and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
Assist with coordination of transition to the patient’s modality choice.
Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.